Thursday, February 15, 2007 - The vaccine prevents HPV infection, the main cause of cervial cancer in women. Earlier this month, Governor Rick Perry mandated that all 11 and 12 year-old girls in Texas be vaccinated before entering the 6th grade. This requirement will go into effect September of 2008. Here in El Paso, the Vaccines for Children program is making the HPV vaccine affordable for all girls ages 9 to 18. The cost of the shot is only $10. They received the first 400 doses today, and are expecting many to take advantage of this potentially life-saving opportunity. The HPV vaccinations will be available at the Tillman Health Center every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost is $10.