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Gov. Brown Signs Bill Allowing Minors To Get STD Vaccine

SACRAMENTO (AP)  — Gov. Jerry Brown has waded into the national debate over child vaccinations for sexually transmitted diseases, signing a bill allowing children as young as 12 to get vaccinated without their parents' consent.

Brown announced Sunday that he had signed AB499, which lets minors get vaccinated against a virus known as human papilloma. Also known as HPV, the virus is a precursor to a leading cause of cervical cancer.

Under the bill signed by Brown, children will also be able to get other STD prevention treatments, including new medicines that help prevent HIV infection if given within 72 hours of exposure.

Supporters say the law will keep up with new prevention treatments and help slow the spread of disease among minors.

Opponents say it undermines parents' right to be involved in their children's medical decisions.

The choice has been hotly debated recently in the Republican presidential race.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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