Michael Gormley is reporting for Newsday New York lawmakers are considering two proposals that would mandate elementary school children be immunized against the sexually transmitted virus known as HPV, without requiring the agreement or knowledge of the child's parent or guardian. The bills have already attracted a backlash from parents who argue the state should not assume a parent’s role by requiring the vaccine as a prerequisite to attend school. The measure would apply to children born since Jan. 1, 2009. According to federal health officials, the human papillomavirus virus has been contracted by 80 million Americans. It is so common that nearly all men and women will contract it sometime in their lives. A related bill introduced earlier this year would allow health care practitioners such as those at clinics, not just physicians, to vaccinate those under the age of 18 for sexually transmitted diseases without the knowledge or consent of their parents or guardians. New York already requires children to be inoculated against a variety of diseases including measles, mumps and hepatitis B, which is also sexually transmitted, in order to attend school regardless of permission from their parents. HPV vaccinations are recommended for youths beginning at 11 to 12 years old, but can start as early as 9 years old. Read the full story in Newsday.