Changes

The average age of diagnosis of cervical cancer is 48 years old.  Accordingly, the effective cost is $13,000 per child to possibly protect her against a cancer over 30 years in the future.  But the vaccine is not known to be effective for more than five years; most new vaccines are not effective any longer than that.

The average age of diagnosis of cervical cancer is 48 years old.  Accordingly, the effective cost is $13,000 per child to possibly protect her against a cancer over 30 years in the future.  But the vaccine is not known to be effective for more than five years; most new vaccines are not effective any longer than that.

A 100% effective means of protection against the same disease is freely available, and it is [[abstinence]].  Moreover, pap smears are an inexpensive and easy way to detect, manage and treat cervical cancer without allowing it to become fatal.

A 100% effective means of protection against the same disease is freely available, and it is [[abstinence]].  Moreover, pap smears are an inexpensive and easy way to detect cervical cancer early.<ref>MayoClinic.com:  Pap smear: Screening test for cervical cancer: Understand the importance of the Pap smear, including how it's done, what it means when it's abnormal and why it needs to be part of your regular health checkups. [http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pap-smear/HQ01177]</ref>

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

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