Teen boys to get HPV vaccine

Thursday 19 September 2019

12 and 13-year-old boys in the Bailiwick are now being offered a free HPV vaccine, to help protect them from certain cancers.

Year 8 girls in the islands have been given the vaccine since 2008, but recent research has shown boys can also benefit.

It is known to help protect against cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, including cervical cancer, some mouth and throat cancers and some cancers of the anal and genital areas.

Children will be offered two doses about six-to-twelve months apart, which are both needed for the vaccine to be effective.

Pictured: HSC President Deputy Heidi Soulsby.

"I am delighted to announce the extension of the human papillomavirus vaccination to boys," said Health and Social Care President Deputy Heidi Soulsby previously. 'This aligns closely with our commitment to prevention and early intervention and will have a major impact on the incidence of HPV-related cancers in the future."

HPV is very common and can be caught through any kind of sexual contact with a person who already has it. While most people will get an HPV virus in their lifetime and be able to get rid of it naturally, some people will not be able to clear it. This can lead to abnormal tissue growth which, over time, turns into cancer if not treated.

It is considered to be responsible for 3% of cancers.

The vaccine is available as part of local schools' immunisation programme.

Pictured top: File image.