Approved bill requires HPV information for girls

OLYMPIA — A measure requiring public schools to send schoolgirls home with information about a sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer is headed to Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The measure also will help pay for a three-dose vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV) for all girls between the ages of 9 and 16. The cost of the vaccine is about $360.

Gregoire is expected to sign the measure into law, spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said.

The House, on a 76-18 vote, agreed Saturday to changes to the legislation made by the Senate.

The bill requires all public schools to give parents of girls entering 6th grade information about the virus and its symptoms.

An earlier version of the bill would have extended the requirement to private schools. The Senate version requires private schools only to give parents the information.