CDC Lifts HPV Vaccination Requirement for Young Female Immigrants

November 18, 2009 — Starting Dec. 14, the U.S. will no longer require female immigrants seeking permanent resident status to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Friday, the AP/San Francisco Chronicle reports.

The new rule revises July 2008 guidelines that required female immigrants ages 11 through 26 seeking legal U.S. permanent residence to be vaccinated against HPV, among a list of other required vaccinations, at their own expense. According to the AP/Chronicle, since 1996, anyone seeking permanent residency in the U.S. is required to obtain all vaccinations recommended by CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

Under the new guidelines, CDC said age-appropriate immunizations still will be required for diseases that pose a public health risk at the time of immigration or change of status to legal permanent residency. The required vaccines also must protect against a disease that could cause an outbreak, has been eradicated in the U.S., or is in the process of being eliminated, CDC said.

According to the AP/Chronicle, a coalition of more than 100 immigrant, health and women's advocacy groups protested the July 2008 guidelines. They said the requirement for female immigrants to have the HPV vaccine was unfair because it was not required for U.S. citizens.

The cost of the three-course HPV vaccine can range from $400 to $1,000, posing an additional financial burden for applicants who already are required to pay thousands of dollars for application fees and mandatory medical exams, advocates argued. They also noted that immigration-related medical services are not covered by health insurance (Garay, AP/San Francisco Chronicle, 11/17).