Bio Farma Promotes HPV Vaccine to Protect Men from Cancer Risks
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is not only vital for women to prevent cervical cancer but is also essential for men. Bio Farma is encouraging the expansion of HPV immunisation as a protective measure against various diseases caused by the virus infection.
Bio Farma President Director, Shadiq Akasya, stated that men are not only potential carriers of the HPV virus but are also susceptible to genital warts and various types of cancer related to HPV infections. This includes an increased risk of penile cancer, anal cancer, and cancers in the throat area, he noted on Wednesday (16/9).
According to Shadiq, several countries, such as Australia and Malaysia, have already implemented HPV vaccination for males. In recent years, cases of cancer in male reproductive organs in both countries have reportedly declined. He believes that public education is the key to expanding HPV vaccination coverage. Bio Farma is currently awaiting government directives regarding the target age for administering the HPV vaccine to males.
“The programme for providing the HPV vaccine to males will target children aged 9-11 years. Meanwhile, for females, HPV immunisation has been implemented since 2023, targeting girls aged 9-11 years,” he explained.
Shadiq hopes that expanding HPV vaccination to males will increase public protection against HPV infections and strengthen early cancer prevention efforts. HPV is a virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes of the body, including the mouth and reproductive organs. Most HPV infections do not produce symptoms and can resolve on their own.
However, certain high-risk types of HPV can develop into serious diseases, including cervical, penile, and anal cancers, as well as cancers in the throat area. HPV transmission can occur through direct skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, or from mother to baby during childbirth. Therefore, vaccination and education are vital components in the effort to prevent HPV infections within the community.