In response to the Feb. 28 column on the HPV vaccine ("New cervical cancer vaccine should not be mandatory for teens") it is important to note some of the already known health risks of the vaccine, Gardasil. There are 16 strands of the HPV virus. While Gardasil protects women from contracting the strongest strand, it only prevents women from contracting four strands total. As any biologist knows, this will only make the other 12 strands stronger.

The column doesn't even mention the fact that to acquire the vaccine one must receive three different injections every two months, which runs approximately $200 each. How do Texas and other states plan on funding this mandate?

While HPV may very well be the biggest cause of cervical cancer, a vaccine will not eradicate the disease. The best way to protect against any sexually transmitted disease or STD-related illness is to practice safe sex.