More protection against cancer HPV vaccine now for boys too?

The number of men has risen sharply in recent years The development of penile tumors is associated with, among other things, HPV infections. As the Robert Koch Institute reports, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) is therefore investigating whether vaccination against human papillomaviruses should be recommended for boys in the future. For girls, this has been advised for ten years.

STIKO recommends vaccination for girls for ten years
Since March 2007, the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends the HPV vaccine for girls as young as 9 years old, with the aim of significantly reducing the number of cervical cancer cases in the future. For boys and young men, however, there is currently no HPV vaccine recommendation. However, that might change soon. Because the infection with certain types of HPV is a risk factor for the development of some forms of penile carcinoma. The STIKO is therefore currently studying available study results in order to re-evaluate the need for a vaccine recommendation for boys.

The HPV vaccine has been recommended for girls for ten years. Now the STIKO checks whether this is advisable for boys. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

Cervical cancer by high-risk types
The human papillomaviruses (HPV for short) are the most common sexually transmitted viruses in the world. Of the more than 120 known virus types so far, about 40 are affected by the sexual organs. A distinction is made between low-risk and high-risk viruses..

The former cause benign genital warts, the high-risk viruses are responsible for the development of cervical cancer (cervical cancer). In most cases, HPV infection occurs during sexual intercourse, with sexually active and young people being most often affected by age up to 25 years.

Two active ingredients offer far-reaching protection
To reduce the number of cervical cancer cases in the future, vaccination against HPV on the advice of the RKI should be best done before the first sexual intercourse. If the vaccination was missed in girls between the ages of 9 and 14 years, it should be made no later than 18 years of age (ie until the day before the 18th birthday). Two vaccines are available in Germany: Cervarix and Gardasil, both of which protect against the high-risk HPV types 16 and 18.

Gardasil also protects against genital warts favoring (low-risk) HPV types 6 and 11, the recently approved advancement of the product provides protection against a total of nine HPV types. Since about 70 percent of all cervical carcinomas are caused by the two types of virus HPV 16 and 18, the vaccines offer far-reaching protection.

No one hundred percent security
However, there is no one hundred percent certainty - therefore, vaccinated women should also undergo a screening test on a regular basis. It is also unknown whether the protection lasts for life and if and at what time a refresher is necessary. According to the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ), experts say the vaccine protection can last for more than 20 years.

Substances are well tolerated
According to the DKFZ, currently used vaccines are safe and well tolerated. The most common side effects are - similar to other vaccinations - skin reactions at the injection site such as redness, itching, mild pain and swelling. Less often, e.g. Headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or hypersensitivity reactions such as difficulty breathing.

One dose is not enough
For a complete vaccine protection, however, a single vaccine is not sufficient. The second dose should be given at 5 to 13 months after the first dose, after informing the RKI. If vaccination was given earlier than five months after the first vaccination, a third dose is required. The same applies if the first vaccination was carried out from the age of 15 years. All vaccinations should be done with the same vaccine. As far as possible the same HPV vaccine should be used for the vaccinations, the injection takes place in the upper arm or thigh muscle.

Studies show effect in boys
Can boys also benefit from vaccination against HPV? In order to answer this question and to re-evaluate the need for a vaccination recommendation for boys, STIKO is currently examining the current state of research. Studies have shown the RKI that the vaccine has an effect by reaching a high antibody titre at the age of 10 to 15 years. In further studies, "the protective effect of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine against genital warts and precursors of penis and anal carcinoma in boys and young men could be demonstrated," informs the RKI.

Reimbursement so far only for girls
In the case of girls, the costs for the complete vaccination are covered by the health insurance companies, provided they are still under 18. Some funds offer full or partial reimbursement beyond this age limit. Boys do not normally receive a refund. Parents who want to vaccinate their sons against HPV should therefore inquire in advance with their health insurance. Should she give STIKO an official vaccination recommendation for boys as well, the treatment probably would not have to be paid by herself. (No)