HPV vaccine and males: issues and challenges

The quadrivalent vaccine has been shown to be safe and efficacious against HPV infection in men. It is expected, though, that male vaccination rates will remain low. Therefore this literature review examines the attitudes of parents, young men, and HCPs toward HPV vaccination and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). It appears that parents are interested in vaccinating their sons against HPV and other (STI). In addition, adolescent and adult males are interested in receipt of HPV vaccine and other vaccines for prevention of STI. Health care providers have a general preference for vaccinating females, but they indicate a willingness to recommend HPV vaccine for their male patients. This is important given the "permissive" recommendation for male HPV vaccination issued by the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Cost effectiveness studies have shown that vaccinating males and females is less cost effective than vaccinating females alone. With low female vaccination rates, both cost effectiveness and health benefits increase. It is clear that males have poor knowledge of HPV infection, morbidity, transmission and prevention. Regardless of vaccination strategies adopted, efforts should be made to educate males about HPV and its health implications. In addition, there are more challenges to overcome before male vaccination can be successfully implemented.