Of course, NOW it gets a ton of attention.
this post was submitted on 24 Apr 2026
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CNN: Why has HPV vaccination historically been emphasized more for girls and women?
Wen: The initial focus of the HPV vaccine was driven by the clear and direct link between HPV and cervical cancer, which is a major global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, causing more than 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022.
Early clinical trials and public health campaigns prioritized preventing this specific cancer, so vaccination programs were first rolled out for girls. Over time, as more evidence accumulated about the burden of HPV-related disease in men, recommendations have expanded to include boys. However, public perception has lagged behind the science, and many people still think of this vaccine as primarily targeted for females.
Just a reminder that conservatives have targeted this vaccine for their nutjobbery.
CNN: What types of cancers are linked to HPV?
Wen: HPV is associated with a range of cancers in both men and women. In women, the most well-known is cervical cancer, but HPV can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva. In men, HPV is linked to cancers of the penis, anus and the head and neck.
Over 90% of anal cancer is caused by HPV. Oropharyngeal cancer, also called throat cancer, is highly associated with HPV as well, with about 70% attributed to HPV. And more than 60% of penile cancer is caused by HPV.
CNN: Why has HPV vaccination historically been emphasized more for girls and women?
Wen: The initial focus of the HPV vaccine was driven by the clear and direct link between HPV and cervical cancer, which is a major global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally, causing more than 660,000 new cases and around 350,000 deaths in 2022.
Early clinical trials and public health campaigns prioritized preventing this specific cancer, so vaccination programs were first rolled out for girls. Over time, as more evidence accumulated about the burden of HPV-related disease in men, recommendations have expanded to include boys. However, public perception has lagged behind the science, and many people still think of this vaccine as primarily targeted for females.
This is so awesome that the word is getting out about the benefits for boys and men!! I remember hearing about the positive outcomes for boys and men quite a few years ago, mostly because of the throat cancer issue with HPV.
Everyone should get this vaccine! They upped the age limit to 45years old I think, so it's available for even more people now as well.
Yup. My FIL got throat cancer from HPV.
Cancer fucking sucks. I'm sorry
Firs they say we don't need it, then they say we're too old for it, and finally they say it's beneficial.
Is this a game to you?
TLDR; whether you are male or female if you are under the age of 45, and insurance will pay for it, get the HPV vaccine. They won't let you have it over 45 years old.
Firs they say we don’t need it,
When it initially came out supplies were low and the only known at-risk groups it was know to help directly were girls and young women, so they said, rightfully, men don't need it at this time.
then they say we’re too old for it
Because at the time time it was thought that if you got one of the non-threatening strains of HPV that your body would already be primed to fight of a future infection of one of the few threatening strains. With nearly any vaccine there's a negligible amount of health risks. If the research at the time said that there'd be no benefit to you, but you'd still be exposed to the negligible risk, then it made sense to say you were too old to benefit.
There's also a money thing here. The HPV vaccine isn't particularly cheap. So the guidance is trying to save you from throwing money away. If you need it, the cost is well worth it, if it wouldn't benefit you, the money paid for it would be wasted.
then they say we’re too old for it, and finally they say it’s beneficial.
Years passed with outcomes showing benefits for other not in the primary group of recipients (girls and young women). So, yes, now they're telling you they have evidence that its helpful to you too.
what happens if someone over 45 gets the vaccine?
I don't see anything that indicates danger according to the american cancer society, according to them it is entirely cost benefit although they do admit it has not been thoroughly studied in populations 45+.
Having multiple sex partners, or recently divorced is an indication for getting it though - so if you're a big 'ol slut (<3) you should consider it at any age, if you can get it paid for.
A pharmacist is perhaps in trouble for not following regulations? They set these rules because they've done studies about adverse effects, and those trials apparently only included folks up to age 45, so they don't know for sure what would happen to older people. Its the same reason most people can't get the Shingles vaccine until age 50 (even though LOTS of people under 50 get Shingles). The clinical data starts at 50 for that one.
You're not going to die or anything, but the rules are in place they won't give it to you so I recommend getting it while you can as it is clearly showing benefits over time. I got HPV shot before I aged out and it was completely paid for by insurance (because of the USA ACA).
Medical recommendations changed based on recent studies. What a concept!
The clear benefit for men is that they don't have to see people they love die from cancer as often
The article explains they show reduced cancer risk themselves.
The vaccine also reduces throat cancer in men. HPV is a common cause of throat cancer.