The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is an independent body which researches the viability and effectiveness of vaccination programmes.
It is currently consulting on the effectiveness of offering the HPV vaccine to boys as well as girls. In 2007, it was decided that the HPV vaccine should be offered to all girls between 13 and 17. As long as immunisation rates were high, there would be significant 'herd protection' to shield boys from HPV as well. Take up of the HPV vaccine in girls is currently over 85 per cent, which is high enough to protect boys and girls alike from HPV. The wide coverage of girls by the HPV vaccine has seen significant reductions in boys and girls of associated conditions since 2009.
It is important to measure the cost-effectiveness of universal vaccine coverage, owing to the number of vaccines required to be produced and dispensed. Research undertaken has shown that vaccinating girls is four times more effective in preventing cervical cancer than it is to vaccinate a boy to prevent an HPV associated cancer. The continued high uptake of the vaccine among girls - over 85 per cent - significantly protects boys from HPV.
However, the issue of vaccinating boys remains under review, as there are a number of ongoing trials, and the Committee will consider all new evidence which comes to light. The Committee ran a consultation into extending the vaccine in summer 2017, following evidence of HPV-associated cancers in men and boys. It is reviewing evidence, and will report to the Government with its recommendations in due course. It would be inappropriate for me to attempt to interfere with the process of the consultation, however I know that the Department will carry out an equality analysis of the final advice before any decision is made.
