Finger This

I realized I did not go into detail about the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' role in whether women receive the HPV vaccine as standard care. They will have a decision on June 29.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issues their recommendations for how the vaccine should be administered. While the ACIP decisions are non-binding, its recommendations set the standard by which states decide if they will mandate vaccination, insurance companies choose to cover the cost, and doctors decide how to advise their patients.

More disturbingly, the only member of the 15-member panel to publicly state his opinion about making the vaccine routinely available is Reginald Finger. Dr. Finger nominated himself to the ACIP after the ultra-conservative Focus on the Family was asked to provide a list of scientists to nominate for various federal boards.

Dr. Finger describes himself as a liaison between the CDC and Focus on the Family. He says, “Focus on the Family wants to have good relationships at CDC - and I can help make those happen.”

He has also said that if “people begin to market the HPV vaccine or tout the vaccine that this makes adolescent sex safer, then that would undermine the abstinence-only message.”

For the record, Finger would also be wary of approving an HIV vaccine, should one become available. Great scientist to have on board.

"'We would have to look at that closely ... With any vaccine for H.I.V., disinhibition ... would certainly be a factor, and it is something we will have to pay attention to with a great deal of care.'"

Disinhibition is a "medical term for the absence of fear," in this case, fear of sexual activity.

The Family Research Council weighed in at the last ACIP meeting, so you should submit written comments to the ACIP before their June 29 hearing:

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road, NE
MS E-05
Atlanta, Georgia 30333