Merck's HPV Vaccine Approved for Men in China
The U.S. pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. announced on Wednesday that its four-valent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been approved for use in men aged 9 to 26 by China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). This marks a significant step in the fight against HPV-related cancers in China.
The vaccine, which protects against four strains of HPV, is the first HPV vaccine approved for males on the Chinese mainland. It was previously authorized for use among females aged 9 to 45 in 2017.
HPV infections are often asymptomatic, but they are linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer among females and penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers among males.
Dr. Qiao Youlin, a researcher from the School of Population Medicine and Public Health at Peking Union Medical College, highlighted that the prevalence of HPV infection among men is higher than among women globally. However, less attention has been paid to male infections.
International experts have advocated for the delivery of HPV vaccines to both genders to expand immunization coverage and achieve better herd immunity. The approval of this vaccine for men in China aligns with this global recommendation and is expected to have a significant impact on reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers in the country.
7 Comments
Loubianka
This is a waste of government resources. There are more important things to spend money on, like healthcare for the poor.
BuggaBoom
This is another step towards mandatory vaccination. We should never be forced to put something into our bodies against our will.
Katchuka
This is an attack on our individual freedom. We have the right to refuse medical treatment, even if it means putting ourselves at risk.
KittyKat
We need to focus on education and safe sex practices instead of relying on vaccines.
Eugene Alta
The pharmaceutical companies are just trying to make money. There are cheaper and more natural ways to prevent HPV infection.
Katchuka
Men are just as susceptible to HPV infection as women, so it's only right that they have access to the vaccine too.
KittyKat
The long-term effects of this vaccine are unknown. We don't need to rush into using it without more research.