June is Men’s Health Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the health issues that disproportionately affect men and boys. The goal is to promote regular checkups, raise awareness, and foster open conversations about both physical and mental well-being. During this month, much of the focus turns to major men’s health concerns like heart disease, pancreatic cancer, mental health challenges—and one lesser-known but critically important topic: Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Though HPV is often thought of in relation to cervical cancer, it’s time to shift the narrative: HPV also affects men—and in serious ways. That’s why Men’s Health Month is a perfect time to talk about why boys need the HPV vaccine too.
What are the reasons boys need the HPV vaccine?
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the U.S. (PRB, 2001 and it can have serious health consequences for men. While there is a strong public understanding of its link to cervical cancer in women, less attention has been given to the risks men face. In men, HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancers, penile cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts (American Cancer Society, 2024).
Despite these serious risks, men are far less likely to be diagnosed with HPV-related conditions simply because routine HPV screening is not available for males (Rojas, 2024). This makes vaccination even more essential. According to the World Health Organization, one in three men globally is infected with genital HPV, and they are just as likely to contract high-risk types of the virus as women are. The bottom line? HPV is not just a women’s health issue—it’s a men’s health issue too.
How Effective is the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the strains of the virus that most often lead to cancer and genital warts. For maximum protection, the vaccine should be administered before exposure to HPV, ideally at ages 11–12, though it is still recommended for males up to age 26. This vaccine isn’t just a protective measure—it’s a cancer prevention tool. And it works. To learn more about the HPV vaccine and how it fits into a broader strategy to protect adolescents and young adults, visit here.
Promoting the HPV Vaccine for Boys: What You Can Do
Men’s Health Month is a great time to act. Healthcare Providers should make confident, clear recommendations for boys and their families about the HPV vaccine, and parents and guardians should ensure their sons are vaccinated on time.
HPV is one of several vaccines recommended in adolescence and should be part of overall health and wellness for boys. To learn more about vaccines, go to our Know Your Vax page.
