Australia introduces HPV vaccination for boys

Australian schoolboys have begun receiving vaccinations to protect them against cancers and disease caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is a common infection that is associated with cervical cancer and genital warts. It has also been linked with other cancers such as throat cancer, although not as strongly.

‘We’re confident that extending the program to males will reduce HPV-related cancers and diseases in the future,’ said Australian Health Minister Tanya Plibersek.

Following the introduction of the vaccine to girls in 2008 to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, Australia has become the first country in the world to publicly fund HPV vaccinations in boys.

The action has resulted in organizations such as the Throat Cancer Foundation to urge the UK to follow suit. However, the Department of Health for England has held its ground, saying that due to the lack of scientific evidence, there was no plan to implement the vaccination of boys into the NHS programme.

According to the Throat Cancer Foundation, the vaccine costs as little as £45 per person, and treatment for throat cancer costs the NHS around £45,000 per patient, meaning there is considerable cause for discussion of the topic.

Taken from Practice Nursing, published 18 Feb 2013.