Human Papillomavirus, more commonly known as HPV, has been the topic of discussion most recently in reference to the ability to vaccinate against it and prevent its association with cervical cancer. There are certain strains of HPV that that are classified as high-oncogenic-risk (likely to cause cancer). Risk of cervical cancer is the main force behind the push for vaccination against HPV. HPV infection types such as HPV-16 and -18 are a necessary cause of cervical and other types of cancers (1). Because it is so dangerously associated with cervical cancer, HPV infection presents a serious burden for females. Others like HPV-6 and -11 are low-oncogenic-risk but cause other symptoms like genital warts, and some cancers found in men (penile cancer).
Young girls around age 12 have begun receiving the vaccine against HPV in order to combat the associated diseases like cervical cancer. Results suggest that so far it is effective. There are two prophylactic vaccines currently used in females: the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines. The bivalent protects against HPV -16/18 and the quadrivalent protects against HPV – 16/18/6/11. Previous research has determined that these vaccines are efficacious and cost-effective in preadolescent girls. Currently, there is debate over whether or not young boys should also be vaccinated against HPV. Recent studies have also found the HPV quadrivalent vaccine to be 86% effective in young males, which presents another option for vaccination against HPV infection (2). Therefore, Brisson, et al. (2011) wanted to investigate the potential incremental impact of vaccinating boys against HPV.
