Calgary schools to reverse policy, allow HPV vaccinations

November 29, 2012

Reversing policy under heavy public pressure, the Catholic schools of Calgary, Alberta, will allow girls to be vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) on school grounds.

Bishop Fred Henry of Calgary had come under heavy fire for saying that vaccinations should not be done in the Catholic schools. The bishop reasoned that families wanting the HPV vaccination could easily make arrangements with local physicians and clinics. But advocates of the vaccination insisted that the shots be administered in schools, saying that otherwise some families would not make the effort to have their daughters inoculated.

The board of the Calgary Catholic schools changed policy after extensive consultations with school administrators and parents. “It’s safe to say that we had thoughts all over the board, both pros and cons, but that parents wanted this vaccine in out schools,” said board chairman Mary Martin. The shots will be administered only with parental consent, beginning in December.

 

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Further information:

• Catholic board overturns ban on HPV vaccine (Edmonton Journal)
• Calgary Catholic board will offer HPV vaccine (CTV)
• Calgary bishop raps critics for trying to force vaccinations in Catholic schools (CWN, 6/26)