The American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for HPV vaccination to include men, which is in keeping with recommendations from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
ACIP is the primary source for guidance regarding immunization policy in the U.S. The committee recommends vaccinating both males and females ages 11 to 12 because the vaccine is more apt to be effective prior to sexual activity, though the vaccine can be administered through the age of 26 for females and 21 for males. The ACS now officially endorses these recommendations.
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, rates of HPV-related cancers have risen over the past eight years due to low immunization rates.
"HPV vaccination has the potential to prevent tens of thousands of cancers and hundreds of thousands of pre-cancers each year," said Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of cancer control intervention for HPV vaccination and women's cancers at the American Cancer Society. "It is critical that all the stakeholders here — families, healthcare providers and others — make HPV vaccination a priority, so that prevention of the vast majority of cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile and oropharyngeal [throat] cancers can become a reality."
More articles on infection control:
Norovirus reported at Republican National Convention
Despite CDC recommendations, study suggests intranasal flu vaccine may still offer some immunity
Minimizing foot traffic in OR linked to SSI reduction in new study