Patrick proposes funds for cervical cancer vaccine for girls. (Voluntary)

[Forkboy]

BOSTON -- Every Massachusetts girl between the ages of 9 and 18 would be eligible to receive a free vaccine against the virus that causes cervical cancer under the state budget plan to be unveiled by Gov. Deval Patrick.

The vaccination against the human papilloma virus is part of a $72 million boost to public health initiatives in the budget, including extra spending on cancer prevention, anti-smoking, teen pregnancy and suicide prevention initiatives.

The added spending, a 15 percent increase over the current public health budget, comes as Patrick warns of a $1 billion spending gap and administration officials have cautioned about the need to hold the line on spending in other areas.

http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO44311 /

[BayCityProgressive]

1. Good

I am glad he isn't focused on $46,000 cars or $10,000 drapes anymore and can focus on things like women's health.

[AX10]

2. I take it that this is an opt-in plan.

Sounds like it since Massachussetts had the good sense to impliement a Universal Vaccine program.

[MADem]

3. FREE. Voluntary. Good!

Mandatory. You or your insurance pay...BAD.

Massachusetts is one of 10 states with universal childhood vaccine distribution programs. In Massachusetts, all routinely recommended vaccines are available free of charge to children through 18 years of age.

The vaccine would not be mandatory in Massachusetts, a Patrick aide said.

The budget also includes additional funding for a new rotavirus vaccine for infants and a new, improved bacterial meningitis vaccine for children. The cost of covering all three vaccines is $24.8 million.

The state's anti-tobacco efforts, which have been slashed in recent years, also get a boost in Patrick's budget.

The proposed extra $12 million in spending, the largest since 1999, comes as anti-smoking activists warn the state could lose up to $6 million in federal substance abuse funds unless it ramps up efforts to combat teen smoking and crack down on illegal sales to minors. ...