The HPV vaccine controversy: Where are the women? Where are the men? Where is the money?

Should the HPV vaccine be mandatory for young women? Many proponents of mandatory vaccinations argue that it is good for women. Yet feminists have reason to be concerned. A partial list of reasons that are cause for skepticism include the following: (1) the fact that there are large expenses associated with the vaccination, which could lead to some serious conflicts of interest; (2) the fact that men carry this virus, yet there is no push to vaccinate them; and (3) the fact that it is not clear that the vaccine has been sufficiently tested to ensure women’s safety. This paper will examine legislation to make the HPV vaccine mandatory and will discuss the implications that surround it.