Routine HPV Vaccine Recommended for Boys: Science in the News
Routine
HPV Vaccine Recommended for Boys
from the Los Angeles Times (Registration Required)
A vaccine that protects against the sexually transmitted human
papillomavirus should be routinely given to boys ages 11 and 12 to
prevent anal cancer, a government advisory committee has decided.
Though many parents may not wish to contemplate the future sex lives
of their pre-adolescent children, vaccinating them young is the best
way to avoid the risk of the cancer-causing virus, experts said Tuesday.
The recommendation is sure to ignite further debate among the
Republican presidential candidates who have focused intently on
whether the controversial vaccine, called Gardasil, is appropriate
for girls—who receive it for prevention of cervical cancer—let
alone for boys.
