Should I get HPV vaccine for DS

[BeesAndChiscuits]

I have a 12yo ds. I’m conscious that girls his age get HPV vaccination but the government doesn’t do the same for boys as the incidence of anus, penis, throat and mouth cancers is much less than for cervical cancers.

I feel uneasy that I’m leaving ds unvaccinated though. At this age I have no idea if he’ll be exposed to HPV (he’s still into lego rather than girlfriends or boyfriends.)

Has anyone else had a son of this age vaccinated or made a conscious decision not to? How do you get a boy vaccinated for HPV?

I've just had the same discussion with my ex about DS1 (also 12). I am all for it, he isn't so sure . He is very pro vaccination in general but seems to feel that if the NHS don't think it's a good idea then it probably isn't. I've tried explaining that they decided this based on the tumours being cheaper to treat than vaccinations given to all boys. Will keep trying to discuss it with him as I am erring on the side of just doing it and want him to be on side too if possible - his own mother had throat cancer which spread so hopefully he'll see the value of it! DS is happy to have it so I don't see the issue.

I would definitely vaccinate a boy. I have seen people with HPV throat cancer (gp speaking)

Definitely. A friend's husband is currently undergoing chemo followed by radiotherapy for throat and neck cancer caused by HPV virus.

It's been horrific for him and his whole family and he's been really ill. There will be long term health impacts on him as well. By not vaccinating you are assuming that your son will 1) be straight and 2) only have sex with vaccinated girls from the U.K. (other countries don't all vaccinate routinely) or 3) depressingly never give oral sex.

Vaccinate him. Our whole circle had a massive wake up call over this and all our boys are getting it.

Where would one get it done privately? I have a 13 yr old DS, is it too late for him to have it?

Boots do it, and Lloyd’s pharmacy, but it is a bit pricey. It’s offered to 12yo and above. For 15yo and above you need 3 shots, for younger than that it’s just two.

I think I’m convinced and this thread produced some very quick responses to cement that. I will shop around though, and see if there are less costly providers.

Titsalina- I think most private clinics will offer it as do some of the bigger chains. 13 certainly isn't too young-you just need them to be vaccinated before they start to be sexually active.

I am seriously considering talking to my D'S about this....trouble is he is 21 so I'm not sure if it's too late, more than happy to find the money to protect him from horrible illness in the future

The HPV for boys campaign is in the news today: www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43967144

DS is booked in for the jab. Boots website say they've got a shortage at the moment, but when I called my local Boots they said they had some and could book him in as soon as we liked.