BDA sounds fresh call for HPV vaccinations for boys

The British Dental Association (BDA) has once again called for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to be offered to boys as well as girls.

As part of its efforts to support European Immunisation Week, the industry association is drawing attention to the fact that HPV infection is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the UK, while questioning the lack of media attention around this fact.

The BDA has therefore been working with HPV Action to push for extension of the current vaccination programme for girls to include all adolescent boys, and is taking European Immunisation Week as an opportunity to further this cause.

It is also encouraging dentists to update themselves on current research into detecting oral cancers and to ensure their teams are aware of the signs.

The organisation said: "The BDA is asking dentists to raise awareness with the patients of the link between HPV and oral cancers and to consider the benefits of immunisation."

A report from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation last year recommended offering vaccination at sexual health clinics to men who have sex with men between the ages of 16 and 40, but the BDA believes blanket immunisation for both genders is necessary.