As India expands HPV vaccination for girls, inclusion of boys deserves consideration

Abstract

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is Commonly associated with cervical carcinoma; however, HPV affects both female and male and contributes to a broad spectrum of diseases. HPV infection can cause benign conditions such as genital warts as well as HPV-associated malignancies, including cervical, anal, penile and oropharyngeal epidemiological evidence demonstrates that HPV infection is also common in males, who serve as both reservoirs of transmission and individuals at risk of HPV-related diseases. India, has recently expanded HPV vaccination initiatives targeting adolescent girls as an important strategy for cervical cancer prevention. Nevertheless, international evidence increasingly support gender-neutral vaccination to reduce HPV transmission, enhance herd immunity, and prevent HPV-associated diseases in both sexes. HPV vaccination is recommended for males between 9 and 26 years of age in several countries, In the Indian context, consideration of male HPV vaccination warrants further evaluation based on disease burden, cost-effectiveness, and public health priorities. Increasing awareness of HPV-related diseases among males may facilitate informed decision-making and contribute to comprehensive HPV prevention strategies.