LANSING — Supply shouldn’t be a problem, says the sponsor of a bill pending in the Senate that encourages sixth-grade girls to be vaccinated against Human Papillonvirus (HPV).

Sen. Beverly Hammerstrom’s proposal would add the vaccination to the state health registry of vaccinations. Under the proposal, sixth-grade girls would have the series of shots starting in the 2007-08 school year. HPV has been linked to causing 70% percent of diagnosed cervical cancer cases.

“Public health clinics would give the vaccination,” said Hammerstrom. “Some schools that have clinics may also give the vaccination, for convenience.”

The vaccine, Gardisil, is given in a series of three injections at a cost of about $360. The injections require an initial visit, a two-month follow up for a second injection and then a six-month follow up for a third injection.

The shots would be covered by Medicaid, but not by Medicare because the vaccination is not recommended for anyone over 26.

According to Hammerstrom, private companies support the legislation and would cover part or all the costs, depending on their employees’ health plan. The federal government may also help with the program, she said

Blue Care Network in Michigan would cover the vaccine, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield groups that have immunization coverage would cover the vaccine, according to Blue Cross spokesman Jon Ogar.

An Aide to Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Leelanau, said the measure would help prevent cancer.

Chief of Staff Emily Carney said, “McManus would have her eight-year-old daughter vaccinated.”

The Senate Health Policy Committee determined the program would require some additional costs for the Department of Community Health. The committee has passed the bill.

The vaccination program has quickly caught on across the country and is meeting approval in England and Australia. Some U.S. college campuses are administering the vaccine.

“The supply of vaccine available is an issue any brand new (vaccination) has limitations,” communications director of community health T.J. Bucholz said. “It is also one of the most expensive series.”

“I don’t really see supply as a problem, there are two companies that will be offering the product,” said Hammerstrom.

GlaxoSmithKline and Merck will offer a HPV vaccination to the public.