BDA supports blanket HPV vaccinations for both genders

The British Dental Association (BDA) has called for the government to consider introducing blanket vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) for people of both genders.

Speaking as a member of the HPV action partnership, the dental industry organisation has said it is no longer acceptable for vaccinations to be targeted only at women and girls, due to the risk the virus can also pose to males.

HPV is emerging as the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer, especially among young people. It is linked to five percent of all cancers worldwide, including some that affect only men, and is rising in prevalence.

The latest report from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has 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 further steps are necessary.

Dr Graham Stokes, chair of the BDA health and science committee, said: "Healthcare professionals are seeing one in 20 cancer cases linked to this virus, and blanket coverage for both sexes is an appropriate and proportionate response."

The organisation also recently called for the dental sector to take a more proactive stance to addressing the threat that antimicrobial resistance poses to the NHS.