Introduction
When people hear about the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, they often think its for girls and leads to cervical cancer prevention. However, HPV is not just a female issue. It affects boys too—and can lead to cancer in them also. Cancer Doesn’t Discriminate—Neither Should Vaccination
This article explains why HPV vaccination for boys is essential for their own health and for community-wide protection.
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus, transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, especially sexual contact. There are more than 100 types of HPV, but a few high-risk types can cause cancer and genital warts.
Why Should Boys Be Vaccinated?
1. Cancer Prevention :HPV can cause several cancers in males, including: Anal cancer,Penile cancer,Oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue)
Vaccinating boys helps prevent these serious, often deadly, cancers.
2. Prevention of Genital Warts : HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts, which are preventable with the vaccine.
3. Protecting Partners : Vaccinated boys are less likely to spread HPV to future partners, reducing the overall burden of cervical and other HPV-related cancers in women and men.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
Ideal Age: 9–14 years (before sexual activity begins)
Catch-up Vaccination: Up to age 26 (recommended), and even up to age 45 (in selected individuals)
Doses:2 doses (for those aged 9–14): 0 and 6 months apart3 doses (for age 15+ or immunocompromised): 0, 1–2, and 6 months
Is the Vaccine Safe?
HPV vaccines (such as Gardasil 9) are extensively studied, safe, and well-tolerated. The most common side effects are mild—like soreness at the injection site or rarely a low-grade fever.
A Message to Parents
Don’t wait for your son to become sexually active. Vaccinate early, protect forever.HPV vaccine is not just a girl’s vaccine—it’s a cancer prevention tool for your son, too. Guard Him Against HPV: One Vaccine, Lifelong Protection