New for the human papillomavirus vaccination (HPV). On May 3, 2016, the High Council of Public Health (HCSP) has issued an opinion which recommends gay men to be vaccinated against this virus. In fact, vaccination against HPV makes it possible to limit the risks of anal cancer, a rare pathology to which homosexual men are more exposed than the rest of the population. “The benefit of this vaccination will be all the more important as the onset of sexual activity will be recent and the number of past partners will be low.“, specifies the HCSP.
To limit the risks ofanal infectionby HPV, which manifests itself in pre-cancerous lesions, cancers and condyloma annals, the HCSP recommends that access to the HPV vaccine be offered in free information, screening and diagnostic centers (Cegidd) and in public vaccination centers. He also advocates the launch of information campaigns on this vaccine, aimed at homosexual men. The HCSP also recalls that the HPV vaccine is strongly indicated for immunocompromised women and men.
Extend vaccination to young boys?
At present, the HPV vaccine is only recommended for young girls, in adolescence, for the prevention of Cervical cancer. In addition to genital and anal cancers, HPVcan also be responsible for oropharyngeal cancers (throat, pharynx, larynx, tongue), because these viruses can be transmitted during oral sex. This is why some physicians favor a extension of vaccination to adolescent boys, to limit the spread of HPV more widely.
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