HPV vaccine now available on the NHS for boys entering S1
AUG 25, 2019
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The Scottish Government has finally agreed to extend the successful HPV vaccination programme girls to allow equal access to boys, going forward from the 2019/20 high school year intake (S1).
The current HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, provides protection against the none strains of human papilloma virus most likely to cause cancer. HPV-related cancers include those of the cervix, but also oral and throat cancers, which are often much harder to treat. The vaccine also provides some protection against genital and perianal warts. Gardasil 9 requires two doses up to and including the age of 14; three thereafter.
Unfortunately, there will be no 'catch-up' provision on the NHS, so older boys and men previously excluded will still have to pay for their own HPV vaccinations privately.
The only exception appears to be men (and transgender people) having sex with men, up to the age of 45, who may access the vaccine via a Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic. The one in Edinburgh is called: Chalmers Sexual Health Centre.
We at TrExMed have long campaigned for equal, free access to HPV vaccine. We have no wish to profit from the ongoing inequitable situation for boys and men who do not fall into the above category, especially as the vaccines are so expensive. However, we also have a duty of care to protect our patients, so we will continue to offer HPV vaccinations for those who do not meet the NHS criteria (including female students from outwith the EU).
Do please email us first if you would like book in for this vaccine, as we may need to order it in specially for you.
