GPs are welcoming the extension of a potentially life-saving vaccine to boys.

From September, the cancer-preventing human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine will be available to boys aged 12 to 13 in schools across the UK.

Many cancers of the mouth, throat, genitals and bottom are caused by the virus, which also causes warts and veruccas.

Girls aged 12 to 13 in the UK have had access to the vaccine from 2008, to help fight cervical cancer.

Dr Deborah Turbitt, London health protection director at Public Health England, has praised the move, saying the programme could "make HPV-related diseases a thing of the past.”

Public Health England estimates that by offering the vaccine to boys and girls, by 2058 it will prevent more than 114,000 people getting cancer. This includes 64,000 cases of cervical cancer and 29,000 cancers in men.

Dr Ken Aswani, chairman of NHS Waltham Forest Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and a local GP, said:

"I applaud the news that the HPV vaccination will be extended to boys. I encourage all parents of eligible boys and girls to make sure they take up the offer for this potentially life-saving vaccine.

"In time, this will lead to a significant reduction in cancers of the anus, penis and mouth and throat. It's important not to delay vaccination, as the vaccine may be less effective as boys get older.”

To find out more about the vaccination programme, visit

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine

.