Panel to discuss vaccine that prevents HPV

A panel tonight will discuss the human papillomavirus vaccine that is required for all sixth-grade girls in Virginia.

In requiring the vaccine, the state sought to prevent cases of cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV. Because the virus is sexually transmitted, some opponents of the vaccine requirement argued that the inoculation would encourage promiscuity.

Tonight’s panel will tackle the prevention and detection of HPV, the symptoms and diagnosis of cervical cancer and the vaccine Gardasil. Panelists will include Holly Edwards, a nurse and member of the City Council, along with two University of Virginia physicians, one of who worked on the vaccine’s clinical trials.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the McLeod Hall auditorium at UVa.