Changes

Merck manufactures the HPV vaccine ("Gardasil") and sells it for $360 ($120 per shot in a three-shot series).  Its package insert explains the limitations of the vaccine and describes its testing for safety and efficacy.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

Merck manufactures the HPV vaccine ("Gardasil") and sells it for $360 ($120 per shot in a three-shot series).  Its package insert explains the limitations of the vaccine and describes its testing for safety and efficacy.<ref>http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/g/gardasil/gardasil_pi.pdf</ref>

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include abstinence, and condom use, which doesn't provide absolute protection, but does significantly reduce the likelihood of HPV transmission.<ref>http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/354/25/2645</ref><ref> Report to Congress 2004: Prevention of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gerberding, J.L., M.D., M.P.H. (January 2004): pp. 3-4.  http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/2004HPV%20Report.pdf</ref>  HPV infection can be detected by pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but does not ''prevent'' infection, only allows for treatment to prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>. Condoms are not a safeguard against  infection  

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include abstinence, and condom use, which does not provide absolute protection, but does significantly reduce the likelihood of HPV transmission.<ref>http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/354/25/2645</ref><ref> Report to Congress 2004: Prevention of Genital Human Papillomavirus Infection, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gerberding, J.L., M.D., M.P.H. (January 2004): pp. 3-4.  http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/2004HPV%20Report.pdf</ref>  HPV infection can be detected by pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but does not ''prevent'' infection, only allows for treatment to prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>. Condoms are not a safeguard against  infection  

The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not support making this vaccine mandatory.

The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not support making this vaccine mandatory.