HPV is responsible for a range of cancers in men, including penile, anal, rectal, head and neck cancers.
The Irish Cancer Society has called on the government to provide “comprehensive support” in order to successfully eliminate HPV-associated cancers in Ireland.
To that end, they are pushing for the introduction of gender-neutral vaccinations in the 2019 Budget.
HPV is responsible for a range of cancers in men, including oropharyngeal, penile, anal, rectal, head and neck cancers.
Friday marks the conclusion of the public consultation period for the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on extending the HPV vaccination programme to include boys.
According to HIQA’s draft report, extending the free vaccine to boys would cost an additional €10.4 million over five years.
The Irish Cancer Society has put forward the argument that “such a relatively low cost” would bring about “significant benefits long into the future” for children who would be protected against a number of cancers.
It is also posited that the health system itself would benefit due to a large reduction in treatment costs.
“We welcome the opportunity to submit a response to the public consultation process on the HTA,” said Irish Cancer Society CEO Averil Power in a statement issued on Friday.
“We strongly support extending the free vaccination programme to boys to provide equal access to the potentially life-saving vaccine, with an aim to eliminate HPV-associated cancers in Ireland in the future.”
Power went on to call for “appropriate funding and resources” to be allocated in time for the new school year, pending the results of the Health Technology Assessment.
“Alongside the vaccination rollout, clear implementation plans as well as comprehensive education and communication structures are needed, so that those administering the vaccine and health professionals are fully informed of the programme and are in a position to support parents,” Power added.
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