The HPV Vaccine Isn't Just for Girls

Posted: Apr 4th, 2016 at 12:00AM - by e7 Health

A common misconception about the Human Papilloma Virus vaccine, also known as the HPV vaccine, is that it's meant only for girls. According to the CDC, boys aren't getting the vaccine nearly at the same rate as girls are. More then half of sexually active men will get HPV in their life, which they then can give to girls, who are then at risk for cervical cancer. The vaccine has actually shown that it's effective, "lowering rates of HPV infections in girls by 64%." If it's so effective in girls, why aren't boys getting it too?

In 2015, about 60% of girls recieved the first dose of the vaccine, where as only 39% of boys recieved it. A recent study suggests that doctors may actually be uncomfortable discussing sex and with their patients and their patients parents. Some parents may assume that because their child is getting the HPV vaccine, that it's "promoting promiscuity." Other evidence shows that parents really just aren't informed about the vaccine and really don't know about what it does and the benefits that it has for boys.

According to The Cut, "in an ideal world" doctors would stress to parents how important this vaccine really is, and how beneficial it is for childrens futures. By vaccinating for HPV, parents are preventing potential deadly cancers that may effect their children in the long run. Although HPV may be less common in boys, it's just as important to offer them the protection of having the vaccine. It also can help prevent men from passing along HPV to others.