HPV vaccine: why parents of boys need to know this too

In the next few weeks, many parents may be receiving a school vaccination consent form. And if your child is a boy, new Irish research suggests you might not have given HPV a whole lot of thought. That’s not a criticism — the data shows it’s actually the norm. But it’s worth changing.

A new survey of over 1,000 people, carried out by Ipsos B&A on behalf of MSD Ireland, has revealed significant gaps in public understanding of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — and those gaps are deepest when it comes to boys and the cancers HPV can cause in them.

The numbers that should make us stop and think

Only one in ten people surveyed had a full understanding of what HPV actually is. That’s striking given how common the virus is — 93% of respondents didn’t realise just how widespread HPV is, and 38% were unaware it can lead to certain types of cancer at all.

But the finding that really stands out is this: nearly one in four people don’t know that boys can develop HPV-related cancers. HPV affects all genders, but awareness clearly hasn’t caught up with that reality.

The gap between how parents of girls and parents of boys feel about HPV tells its own story. 75% of parents of daughters under 18 said they were worried about their daughter coming into contact with HPV. For parents of sons, that figure drops to 42%. That’s a 33-point gap — and it matters, because it could translate directly into decisions made (or not made) when that consent form turns up.

What the HPV vaccine actually covers — for all children

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Most people will come into contact with at least one type during their lifetime, and for many the infection clears naturally without causing any harm. The problem is that some types are classified as high-risk because of their link to several cancers — and because HPV rarely causes symptoms, most people who have it don’t know.

The good news is that Ireland’s school vaccination programme already covers both boys and girls. Since 2019, students in first year of secondary school have been offered the HPV vaccine as part of the HSE School Immunisation Programme. And from January 2026, the Laura Brennan HPV Catch-Up Programme has been offering vaccination to eligible students in fifth and sixth year who may have missed it first time around.

Bernie Carter, Assistant Director of Nursing Services at the Marie Keating Foundation, put it plainly: “HPV can affect people of all genders, and while many cancers cannot be prevented, there are established measures that can help reduce the risk of certain HPV-related cancers. Education, open conversation and access to clear, reliable information all play an important role. Availing of immunisation programmes, when offered in school, is one such public health measure.”

She added that vaccination against HPV has been part of the National Immunisation Programme for nearly 16 years — and that by increasing understanding of HPV infection, along with available screening and prevention options, “we can work together to support the health and wellbeing of young people.”

Where parents are getting their information — and what’s getting in the way

The research also looked at where people turn for information. Health service leaflets and websites came out on top (66%), followed by traditional media (58%), educational programmes in schools and colleges (53%) and GPs (52%). Social media was a source for 33% — particularly among younger adults.

When it comes to barriers, the survey identified a few familiar ones: waiting for a GP to bring it up, limited knowledge about HPV or its link to cancer, a preference to let the child decide, and broader vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation also plays a role.

None of that is surprising. Parenting involves an enormous amount of information-gathering under time pressure, and it’s easy for something to fall through the cracks — especially when the messaging around it has historically been more female-focused. The vaccine programme doesn’t make that distinction, though. It covers your son just as much as your daughter.

So when that consent form does appear from the depths of the schoolbag, it’s worth taking a moment. The HSE website and HPV Aware both have clear, straightforward information if you want to read up before making a decision.

This article is based on new Irish research carried out by Ipsos B&A on behalf of MSD Ireland, published 30 June 2026.

For more information on HPV and the Schools Immunisation Programme, visit the HSE website or HPV Aware.