The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine and a vaccine that protects young children against rotavirus are now available at no cost to children in Washington.

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 human papilloma virus 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 human papilloma virus 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 check-up 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."