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Is it true that boys should also be vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV)?
In Germany, not even half of all 15-year-old girls are fully vaccinated against HPV, the vaccination rate for boys is significantly lower (symbol picture)
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Human papillomavirus infections occur worldwide and are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. HP viruses can cause cervical cancer – but vaccination also makes sense for male adolescents.
Is it true that boys should also be vaccinated against the human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Yes, a fixed vaccination offer for girls – especially as part of the prevention of cervical cancer – for many years, the decision on the recommendation by the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) was extended to boys in 2018. It is estimated that between 1,600 and 2,300 cancers occur each year due to HPV infection in men.
Model calculations show that vaccination can also prevent thousands of cancer diseases, such as tumors in the oropharynx as well as in the genital and anal areas, in the long term. At the same time, community protection in the population, i.e. so-called herd immunity, is to be strengthened.
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HPV infections occur worldwide
In Germany, not even half of all 15-year-old girls are fully vaccinated, and the vaccination rate is significantly lower for boys. Comprehensive protection requires a vaccination coverage of at least 70 percent.
Human papillomavirus infections occur worldwide and, according to the Robert Koch Institute, are among the most common sexually transmitted infections. Girls and boys between the ages of nine and 14 should therefore be vaccinated in two doses, at least five months apart, if possible before their first sexual intercourse.
If the vaccination interval is less than five months, or if you have catch-up vaccinations from the age of 14, a third dose is required – this can be done up to the age of 17.
Sources:Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) / Hannover Medical School / Robert Koch Institute (RKI): Epidemiological Bulletin 2021/
This content comes from the magazine GEO WISSEN GESUNDHEIT 18/2021: “The female body – from childhood to old age”. Like the star, GEO belongs to the Gruner + Jahr publishing house.