NI commits to extend HPV vaccination as pressure from BDA pays off

The move finally brings Northern Ireland into line with the rest of the UK. From September the HPV vaccine will be offered to all boys in year nine at school – around 12,000 in total. The vaccine was originally offered as protection from cervical cancer.

BDA Northern Ireland has lead calls for a gender-neutral approach to the vaccinations, has been a leading partner in the UK-wide HPV Action coalition, and has worked closely with charity Cancer Focus NI to lobby the Stormont authorities.

HPV has emerged as the leading cause of throat cancer, especially among young people. As one of the most rapidly rising cancers, oral (mouth and throat) cancer rates are set to double by 2035, and they are increasing more rapidly among men than women. The condition is linked to five per cent of all cancers worldwide, including some that affect only men.

The BDA is now seeking clarity on whether the NI government will offer a catch-up programme to older school boys, in line with the approach that was followed across the UK when the vaccine was first rolled out to girls in 2008. Over 45,000 boys could miss out on coverage without a catch-up programme, at a time when uptake among girls is falling, further jeopardising the chance of 'herd protection'. Westminster has thus far refused to give ground, leaving 1.2 million older boys without cover in England.