Papillomavirus and cancers: should we extend vaccination to boys in France?
In 2006, the HPV (Human papillomavirus) 6/11/16/18 quadrivalent vaccine was approved by the European Medicines Agency and obtained its marketing authorization in both girls and boys. Currently, the French guidelines recommend and refund vaccination of girls aged 11 to 14 with a catch-up program for females from 15 to 19 years old.



In France, HPV vaccination coverage tends to decrease. At the end of 2015, the vaccination coverage with three doses reached only 14% in 16-year-old girls (three doses). Although men are also affected by HPV-related diseases such as anal cancer, ano-genital warts, penile cancer or upper aerodigestive tract cancer, vaccine recommendations in France are for girls only. To face the high prevalence of anal cancer and related diseases, the best option is vaccination. Moreover, by offering men a way to prevent diseases against which they do not have any protection yet, universal vaccination could better take into account the ethical issues of prevention. In this paper, we present the point of view of different medical specialties concerning the potential benefit of extending vaccination to boys.



HPV vaccination of both genders could benefit from a better public acceptance and contribute to a better coverage, especially in countries with low vaccination rates.
APHP, Service de Gastroentérologie et de Proctologie, CHU Bichat, Paris, France.
Laurent
L
Abramowitz
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Pôle « Femme-Mère-Enfant », CHU d'Angers, Angers, France.
Philippe
P
Descamps
Service de Bactériologie-Virologie-Hygiène, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France.
François
F
Denis
Service de Pédiatrie, Hôpital A Mignot, Le Chesnay, France.
Marie-Aliette
MA
Dommergues
Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.
Pierre
P
Pradat
Service d'ORL et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Hôpital Tenon, Université Paris 6, Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
Jean Lacau
JL
St Guily
Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Clinique Universitaire, Maternité Régionale Universitaire, Nancy, France.
Philippe
P
Judlin
D000293:Adolescent; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D002648:Child; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D008297:Male; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012737:Sex Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000068857:Human Papillomavirus Recombinant Vaccine Quadrivalent, Types 6, 11, 16, 18; D053918:Papillomavirus Vaccines
HPV; cancer; human papillomavirus; universal vaccination; vaccine