Good news from a coalition of women of color reproductive justice groups this weekend that the HPV vaccine requirement for immigrant women has been reversed.

National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum (NAPAWF), the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH), and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ) commend the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for taking the critical final step in removing a mandatory vaccination requirement for immigrant women and girls to receive the HPV vaccine. Today, the CDC published a rule that finalizes a set of criteria for evaluating whether vaccinations recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices should become automatic requirements for immigrants. Starting December 14, 2009, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine will no longer be a required vaccination for immigrant women and girls.

NAPAWF, NLIRH and CLRJ opposed the mandatory vaccination requirement when it took effect in July 2008, and worked together with national, state and local partners in the reproductive justice, women's health, immigrant rights, medical and public health movements to remove the mandate. Organizations from around the country sent letters to the CDC opposing the rule and submitted comments in support of the proposed criteria. This was an important victory for the reproductive justice movement and showcased the power of cross-movement building strategies to secure reproductive justice and bodily autonomy for the most vulnerable women and girls.

This is great news for immigration advocates, removing what was a large financial barrier for immigrant women already facing the financial hurdles of immigration and naturalization.

Related:
Immigration authorities add Gardasil to the list of required vaccines
Young woman rejects HPV vaccine and loses path to citizenship
No Gardasil, No Papers: Immigrant Women and the HPV vaccine (Feministing Community)