Do men need to get the HPV vaccine?

I am 42 years old, married with 2 young children. The older one is a 13-year-old daughter, the younger one is a 10-year-old son. In the past few weeks, my wife has planned to take both children to get the HPV vaccine. In addition, my wife also said that I also need to get the HPV vaccine to prevent cancer in men. I wonder if it is necessary for me and my son to get this vaccine? I thought only women need to get vaccinated to prevent cervical cancer?

(Mr. Hoang Nam, residing in Tan Phong ward, Bien Hoa city)

Doctor replied:

Hello Mr. Hoang Nam!

You and your son should get the HPV vaccine to prevent diseases caused by the HPV virus. Previously, the HPV vaccine was commonly known for its role in preventing cervical cancer in women. However, HPV can also cause serious diseases in men such as:

• Penile cancer
• Anal cancer
• Nasopharyngeal cancer
• Genital warts

The HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV, while also reducing the risk of other related diseases.

Regarding the timing of vaccination, the best recommendation is from 9-26 years old, however, it can be vaccinated up to 45 years old. Therefore, your 10-year-old son is in the ideal age range for HPV vaccination.

Vaccination schedule is as follows:

- From 9 to under 15 years old: 2 injections, the second injection at least 6 months after the first injection. If the second injection is 5 months earlier than the first injection, a third injection is needed at least 4 months after the second injection.

- From 15 years old and up: Get 3 shots according to schedule: shot 1, shot 2 at least 2 months after shot 1, shot 3 at least 4 months after shot 2.

For you, even though you are 42 years old, you can still get the HPV vaccine to prevent related diseases. You should go to the doctor and talk directly to him to get advice and plan a suitable vaccination.

Wish your family always happy and healthy!

Master, Pharmacist Nguyen Van Cuong,

Head of Pharmacy Department, Hoan My Dong Nai Hospital

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/alo--bac-si-oi/202506/dan-ong-co-can-thiet-phai-tiem-vaccine-hpv-khong-13300fa/