They said today’s interim decision follows concerns that men who have sex with
men are a group at high risk for HPV infection and associated diseases, who
are not protected by the current scheme.
Daisy Ellis, Acting Policy Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We
welcome this recommendation from the JCVI, who have clearly recognised the
current approach to vaccination leaves groups including gay and bisexual men
out in the cold and at increased risk of infection.
“Offering vaccinations to gay men through sexual health clinics can help
with this, but – as the vaccine is less effective if a person is already
sexually active – for some, it will not provide maximum protection.
“Extending HPV vaccination to all boys is the only approach that would ensure
all young people are given equal protection, something we will continue to
campaign for. In the mean time, we urge the Department of Health to work
with Local Authorities and Public Health England to implement the JCVI’s
recommendation.
“The evidence-based recommendation has been made, so the relevant bodies
now need to come together and make this happen.â€
A small pilot study in north London indicated that around 80 per cent of men
offered the HPV jab took up the offer of vaccination.
The committee is also due to consider again whether to introduce jabs for
boys.
However, it suggested that a decision is some years off, with modelling work
on the impact and cost-effectiveness of the programme not due to start until
next year.
All girls aged 12 and 13 are offered HPV jabs under the current programme,
with a catch-up scheme for those between 13 and 18 years of age.
After a consultation on its recommendations, the JCVI will develop its final
advice to the Secretary of State for Health.
The committee said that since the 2008 programme was introduced for girls,
evidence has emerged that HPV immunisation is likely to protect against a
wider range of cancers than was thought, including anal, penile and some
types of throat cancer.