Boys aged between 9 and 18 may soon be receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations. The vaccine has been listed on the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2011 schedule of recommended vaccines for immunizations for children and teens.
Other new recommendations include a booster dose of the MCV4 vaccine against meningococcal disease, and an additional dose of Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine for children aged 5 or older if they have sickle cell disease, leukemia, HIV infection or have had a splenectomy.
According to Paging Dr. Gupta:
"New guidance is that HPV4 may be administered to males age 9-18 to reduce their likelihood of contracting genital warts, which ... often has no symptoms when contracted. The recommendations appear in the February issue of Pediatrics and are approved by the AAP, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."