RT Journal
A1 Gostin LO
T1 MAndatory hpv vaccination—reply
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD January 18
VO 307
IS 3
SP 252
OP 255
DO 10.1001/jama.2011.2021
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.2021
AB 
In Reply: This collection of 3 letters in response to my Commentary vividly demonstrates the political and social divisiveness of HPV vaccination, which sets it apart from most childhood immunizations. Each letter is thoughtful, and yet all 3 letters come to distinctly different policy conclusions. Drs Gilkey and Brewer find that health system factors such as cost and enhanced access are more effective than mandates; Dr Berger and colleagues urge immediate state adoption of HPV mandates with limited opt-outs; and Drs Tomljenovic and Shaw reject HPV mandates as a flawed policy. Each letter expresses strong agreement with my view, “Above all, health policy must be driven by science,” and yet each draws different conclusions based on the available scientific evidence. How is this possible?