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EDITORIALS: Bernard Lo Human papillomavirus vaccination programmes BMJ 2007; 335: 357-358 [Full text]

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Why target only women for HPV prevention

Joseph More   (24 August 2007)

Re: Why target only women for HPV prevention

Steven Ford   (4 September 2007)

Why target only women for HPV prevention 24 August 2007
Joseph More, Retired Retired Send response to journal: Re: Why target only women for HPV prevention	If we want to break the chain of transmission of HPV (or other sexually transmitted diseases), we should encourage men as well as women to take action. The campaign should be to get both sexes vaccinated, even if the consequences of infection are more dire for the women. Competing interests: None declared
Re: Why target only women for HPV prevention 4 September 2007
Steven Ford, GP Haydon & Allen valleys Medical Practice Send response to journal: Re: Re: Why target only women for HPV prevention	Sir The potential consequences for women arising from HPV infection are dire indeed. However, it was my understanding that HPV infection in men is causally associated with the development of cancer of the penis. The treatment for which is too obvious to require elaboration. Could we agree to the following formulation? The potential consequences of HPV infection in both sexes are dire and therefore it is in the general population's interest to vaccinate the whole herd at the youngest effective age. Steven Ford Competing interests: None declared