09.07.19
RCGP welcomes HPV vaccine roll-out to Year 8 boys in September
Chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, has welcomed the announcement that the HPV vaccine will now be given to Year 8 boys from September in further efforts to protect against the virus.
Health officials claimed when making the announcement that giving the vaccine to boys this age will prevent 29,000 cancers in UK men in the next 40 years.
Addressing the announcement, Prof Stokes-Lampard said: “There is very strong evidence that shows the HPV vaccine can protect people from a virus that can trigger a wide range of cancers that affect both men and women, so it is vital that as many eligible boys and girls as possible get inoculated.
"We are pleased that the HPV vaccine will be given to Year 8 boys, as well as girls, from September – this is something the RCGP has long-called for.
Chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard
“The potential of this vaccine to save lives and prevent the complications of cancer is huge, and since it has been available on the NHS for girls, it has had excellent take-up, with impressive results - it's important this success is replicated with boys.
“We'd encourage all parents of eligible children to get their child vaccinated when it is offered, and if they miss the round for any reason that they let their school nurse know, so that they can be invited to a 'catch-up' clinic.
“It is also important that professionals across education and health are vigilant in offering it where appropriate, and checking that children in the eligible age bracket have had their vaccination."