The SNP Government will implement vaccination of boys against the human papilloma virus (HPV). An HPV infection can also cause genital warts, the second most common sexually transmitted infection in the UK; abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells within the cervix, which can sometimes lead to cervical cancer
Girls aged 12-13 are offered a vaccination to help protect them against types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Women aged 25-64 are offered cervical screening to check for abnormal cells in the cervix.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“I am pleased that the SNP Government will implement a HPV vaccination programme for adolescent boys in Scotland. We know from the recommendations made by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation that this will help reduce diagnoses of HPV related cancers and save lives in years to come.
“In 2016 there were 21 women diagnosed with cervical cancer in NHS Ayrshire and Arran, a figure we want to see reduced to zero. Vaccinating boys, a minority of whom might otherwise carry HPV, will certainly help.
“Work to develop the programme will now begin, in conjunction with Health Protection Scotland and NHS Scotland, to be rolled out as soon as is practicable.”
ENDS
