"More than 1,800 health care providers will receive vaccine from Public Health -- Seattle & King County, state health officials said Wednesday. Money for the two vaccines was included in the state budget enacted by the Legislature in late April. "

"The HPV vaccine, known as Gardasil, protects against four types of the virus -- two that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and two that cause 90 percent of genital warts. "

"The federal Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine a year ago, recommending it for all girls 11 to 12 years old and, if a doctor recommends it, as young as 9 or as old as 26."

"It is given in three doses over six months. It would cost individuals more than $300 for the series of shots if not covered. "

"The vaccine is not without controversy. Some states debated whether to make it mandatory. Parents and others fear that it might encourage teen sex. Scientists aren't sure the drug will be safe in the long term."

""There are no drugs or vaccines in the world that are 100 percent safe," said Dr. John Dunn, a pediatrician and co-chairman of the immunization population team at Group Health. "The studies so far suggest this is safe, and that's probably the best single thing I can say about it." "

"Dunn said the state's decision to pay for the vaccine makes it easier
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