Local school health professionals say they are encouraged by a bill aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

Patricia Olson, health services director for Portage schools, called legislation requiring most schools to inform parents about a cancer-fighting vaccine a positive step. "I think the more informed, the better," Olson said. "Being preventative is better than treatment after the fact."

The bill requires schools statewide to send sixth-grade girls home with information about the human papillomavirus and Gardasil, a vaccine protecting girls and women against strains of the virus responsible for cervical cancer.

Because it's new, "it's a little scary for parents," who may want to wait before their daughters take it, Olson said. "But I don't have a problem getting information out."

A government advisory panel has recommended that all girls receive the shots at age 11 and 12, before they're likely to become sexually active.

Pam Cunningham, elementary school nurse for the School City of Hobart, said the information "needs to get out there. Anything that's going to, in the end, saves lives is great."

Some conservative and religious groups have denounced plans for the vaccine, saying administering it then could encourage girls to have sex at a younger age.

Griffith schools nurse Nikki Miklusak doesn't see it causing that kind of problem.

"I don't think advocating a vaccine is advocating any immoral behavior," Miklusak said. "We still teach abstinence, and that's primary."

Olson added, "Sexual activity is out there. If you explain things appropriately to your children, it's not going to encourage that activity."

Appropriate explanation, she said, might mean treating the immunization like the list of others Indiana students are required to take, such as measles and tetanus.

It could help children understand why the shot is important, and take away some of its stigma as related to sex, she said.

"I'd rather be upset with my child who's sexually active than have my child have cervical cancer," Olson said. "Ultimately, you have to teach them the only person who can truly take care of them is them."

BREAKOUT

What's next?

The bill has been approved by both chambers of the General Assembly. But the Senate still must sign off on minor changes by the House, and could do so as soon as Monday.