The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and a vaccine that protects young children against rotavirus are now available at no cost to children in our state. The two new vaccines give parents the ability to protect their children against two potentially serious diseases.

"We must do what we can to keep our children safe and healthy," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "Parents now have a very effective tool to help protect their daughters from a disease that can cause cervical cancer."

The Washington State Department of Health's Universal Childhood Vaccine program uses state and federal funding to buy recommended vaccines for children from birth through 18 years. Governor Gregoire included funding for the two vaccines in the new state budget passed by the legislature in late April. Working with local health departments, the state Department of Health began taking orders for HPV vaccine in early May and it is now becoming available.

"The HPV vaccine is a major breakthrough for women's health and cancer prevention," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "HPV is very common. This vaccine prevents four types of it - two that cause the majority of cervical cancer cases."

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls ages 11-12 years and for girls as young as 9 and also up to age 26, if their doctor recommends it.

"Kids should get a routine checkup when they're 11 or 12," Selecky said. "And that's the perfect time for girls to get the HPV vaccine and other immunizations recommended for that age group."

The vaccine protects against four types of HPV - two that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and two that cause 90 percent of genital warts. Girls need three doses of the vaccine to get the best protection.

"This is great news for my daughter and for every girl in Washington," said Janice Deal, a mom from Olympia. "Our state is a leader in protecting the health of its residents. A lack of money and resources won't stop girls from getting this vital vaccine."

The Universal Childhood Vaccine program makes vaccines available to children at no cost, though health care providers may charge an office and/or administrative fee. With the addition of HPV and rotavirus, the program now helps parents protect children against 16 serious and potentially deadly diseases.

Rotavirus affects mostly babies and young children. It causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which can lead to dehydration and hospitalization. Babies need three doses of the rotavirus vaccine by six months. The first dose should be given at two months.

Parents are urged to visit their regular health care provider for all childhood immunizations. For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, call your local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm). Parents can also call the WithinReach (www.withinreachwa.org) Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

More information on all childhood immunizations is available on the Department of Health Immunization Program Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize).