IN the last week, public health minister Steve Brine has announced that England will begin a programme to offer the HPV vaccination to all boys aged 12-13, in a manner similar to that currently offered for teenage girls.

This initiative could commence as early as September 2019, with the offer of catch up vaccinations for older teenage boys.

Human Papillomavirus, abbreviated to HPV, are a group of more than 100 viruses, of which some strains, notably 16 and 18, are linked with cancer.

It is estimated that eight in ten sexually active people will have HPV at some point, yet the majority clearing it themselves without any need for treatment.

However, in those that don’t clear the virus, it causes genital warts, and is implicated the development of female and male genital cancers, oral and throat cancer as well as anal cancer, mostly through sexual activity. HPV is responsible for 5% of all cancers worldwide. Every day 30 people in Britain are newly diagnosed with oral cancer, an almost 25% increase compared to only 10 years ago.

The HPV vaccine programme for girls began in England 10 years ago, and should be seen as a modern day success story. Targeting girls 12-13 and extended to those up to 18, it is estimated that the vaccine, trade name Gardisil, has been taken up by almost every woman under the age of 25 in the UK. Figures show it has reduced prevalence of cancer causing HPV strains 16 and 18 by 80%, with hundreds of lives saved as a result.

Vaccination is now also offered to men who have sex with other men.

Despite the success of the vaccination programme, the numbers of girls having the jab is dropping, albeit by a small percentage currently. HPV is like any other virus, and eradication relies on the majority being immunised so that the disease eventually dies out. Despite the scare stories, including ones of chronic disability, there have been no studies which have demonstrated any long term side effects from HPV vaccination.

It is also untrue to suggest that HPV only affects those deemed to be sexually promiscuous, as it can affect anyone who has ever been sexually active.

Although previously thought to not be cost effective for boys, it is now recognised that the £20 million outlay of a gender-neutral vaccination programme will be nothing compared to the cost of treating the cancers linked with HPV.

We should therefore welcome this new programme and aim to get our children vaccinated for not only their individual health, but for the benefit of society as a whole. At the same time it is important to practice safe sex, as the vaccine solely targets HPV. For women, making sure you attend for routine smear is vital. Finally, any changes in your genitals, mouth and throat, including bleeding, ulcers and lumps or bumps especially in the neck area, should be brought to the attention of your routine doctor urgently.