Parents May Opt Out of 'Mandatory' HPV Vaccine in Virginia

Although Republican Senate candidate is rallying against a "mandatory" human papillomavirus or for girls in Virginia, parents in the state may opt out of the vaccine.

Under "school requirements" the Virginia health department Web site states:

"After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parent’s or guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine."

Then-Gov. Tim Kaine (D) amended the original mandatory 2007 bill to permit parental or guardian-sanctioned opt-out. is currently a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

The vaccine is in the spotlight after a GOP presidential candidate debate where candidate Michele Bachman, a congresswoman from Minnesota, took after Texas Gov. Rick Perry for signing an executive order to make the vaccine a requirement in his state. She also pointed out that he had received campaign contributions from the drug manufacturer.

Last week, Senate candidate Radtke, a former state tea party leader who is running for the seat being vacated by Sen. Jim Webb (D), said she is offended that the vaccine is mandatory in Virginia.

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell, who hosted Perry last week and is often talked about as a VP presidential candidate, has not taken a public stand on the issue.

House-passed legislation to end the vaccine mandate failed earlier this year in the state Senate.