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All American boys will be vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV)
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has concluded that all boys should be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV). Currently, only girls receive the vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer. Boys receive it optionally.
By a vote of 13 and one abstention, the panel voted to require all American children aged 11 and older to be vaccinated against HPV. Such widespread immunization, experts say, would primarily provide additional protection for women against cervical cancer. It would also protect boys against HPV-related cancers, such as penile and throat cancer.
The CDC's decision will take effect after approval by CDC Director Thomas Frieden and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.
As previous studies have shown, about 50% of adult men worldwide are currently infected with the human papillomavirus, which is sexually transmitted. This virus is the cause of 70% of cervical cancer cases, as well as about 60% of oral and pharyngeal cancer cases.
There are currently two vaccines against the human papillomavirus on the market – Gardasil by Merck and Cervarix by GlaxoSmithKline. These vaccines protect against the most oncogenic strains of the virus – 16 and 18, and also contain antigens of other common strains. Due to this, each of the vaccines provides more than 90% prevention of papillomavirus infection.
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