No extension recommended for HPV vaccinations

HPV has been linked to one in 20 cases of cancer in the UK. Health campaigners have called for a gender-neutral approach to vaccination, which would ensure 400,000 school-age boys are not left at risk.

Up to 80 per cent of sexually active people will be infected by HPV at some point in their lives. Five per cent of all cancers are caused by HPV and some of these, notably oral cancers, are now rising sharply in incidence. HPV-related cancers, such as anal cancer, are also among the hardest to diagnose and treat.

A recent poll published by the campaign coalition HPV Action for World Immunisation Week (April 24-28), showed that 97 per cent of dentists backed expansion of the programme, with the same proportion saying if they had a son they would want them to receive the vaccination. Ninety-four per cent of GPs said they would support both positions.

This initial recommendation by JCVI will now be subject to a public consultation and the BDA will make representations to the committee urging them to reconsider the evidence before they make their final decision in October.