CSL Seqirus' Gardasil 9 (human papillomavirus 9-valent vaccine, Recombinant) has now been approved by the TGA for use in males aged nine to 45 years, for the prevention of anal cancer, pre-cancerous or dysplastic lesions, external genital lesions and infections caused by nine HPV types.
Previously approved for use in males aged nine to 26 years, the extended age indication is now aligned with the approved age range for females.
This will provide a preventative option for previously unvaccinated people, who may be at increased risk of HPV-related diseases and cancers, regardless of gender.
Although more commonly associated with cervical cancer, HPV-related diseases and cancers also affect males.
More than 80% of anal cancers and 90% of genital warts in Australia are associated with the nine HPV genotypes in Gardasil 9.
The UNSW Kirby Institute's medical epidemiologist and public health physician Prof Andrew Grulich commented that "from 2013, adolescent boys were included in the schools-based HPV vaccination program, which means there are Australian men now aged over 25 years who may not have been offered HPV vaccination.
"While vaccination will not clear a past infection, it may provide protection against future infections in older males, particularly for those who are at higher risk of HPV-related disease," Grulich added.
Dr Jonathan Anderson, CSL Seqirus Executive Medical Director, International Regions, said the extended age range is important news for community pharmacists working in men's health.
"When pharmacists and GPs hear about HPV vaccination, we often think of the well-known school-based program.
"However, despite best efforts, up to one in five adolescents and young adults may have missed out on HPV vaccination at school.
"This indication extension highlights the key role that pharmacists and GPs can play in helping protect people from HPV infection, regardless of gender.
"This is especially important for men at increased risk of HPV-related anal cancer, as there is currently no national screening program for early detection of the disease," Anderson explained.
Pharmacists can now offer HPV immunisation to males aged 26 years via private prescription. JG
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