THL for inclusion of HPV vaccine in boys’ vaccination

The National Institute for Health and Welfare recommends including the HPV vaccine in the boys’ vaccination programme, said a press release of THL.

HPV, or human papillomavirus, causes significant disease burden. Girls are currently offered the HPV vaccine as part of the national vaccination programme.

According to a recent impact assessment report by the THL, including the HPV vaccine in the vaccination programme for boys would provide an efficient means to prevent cancers caused by HPV among both men and women.

HPV causes several different cancers, including cancers of the oral cavity, particularly at the root of the tongue and tonsils in the oropharynx as well as the cancers of the anus, penis, cervix, vagina and female external genitalia.

HPV also causes some cancers of the hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx and other areas of the oropharynx. Around eight in ten young people contract HPV that exposes them to serious illness at some part of their lives.

“The share of cancers in the head and neck area caused by HPV varies from 20 to 50 per cent. One in two of cancers at the root of the tongue and in the tonsils are caused by HPV. The number of these cancers has also increased within the previous decade”, said Chief Physician Tuija Leino of THL.

While the HPV vaccine offered to girls was introduced to the national vaccination programme in 2013, the vaccination coverage is not yet at the desired level. Vaccinating boys would also improve girls’ protection and serve as an efficient way of preventing the spread of HPV.

“Vaccinating has also considerable human benefits. The vaccine provides an important and efficient method for preventing diseases caused by HPV. Vaccinating at an early age provides the best and most long-term protection. At the moment, the HPV vaccine is given to girls at the age of 11–12”, Tuija Leino said.

The recommendation by the National Institute for Health and Welfare on also offering the HPV vaccine to boys has been submitted for evaluation at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

The Ministry makes decision on the vaccines included in the national vaccination programme.