HPV has been linked to one in 20 cases of cancer in the UK. MSM between ages of 16 to 40, the highest risk group for HPV, will be able to access the vaccine. Health campaigners have called for a gender neutral approach to vaccination, which would ensure 400,000 school aged boys are not left at risk.
It is estimated that extending the vaccine to all school age boys could be delivered for just £22m per year.
Graham Stokes, chair of the BDA Health and Science Committee, said:
“Extending vaccination to men is welcome progress but not the breakthrough we need. We know that by the time adult men reach a sexual health clinic it’s usually too late to protect them from HPV. Blanket immunisation of boys and girls remains the most appropriate response to what is a growing threat to public health.
“It is simply not cost effective to leave 400,000 boys at risk. Dentists believe in prevention, and for a modest investment we can ensure both sexes are protected from the agent behind one in 20 cancer cases.”