Manitoba expands HPV vaccination program to include boys

Manitoba is expanding its HPV vaccine program to include boys.

The expanded program, which will roll out in September 2016, will offer free vaccines to boys and girls in Grade 6 across Manitoba.

Any girl or boy who misses the vaccine in Grade 6 will be eligible to get it in later years free of charge under the province's "once eligible, always eligible," program.

Boys in Grade 9 will also be offered the vaccine free-of-charge for the next three years in schools.

The infection can lead to cervical cancer and a range of other cancers.

HPV affects men and women. Most HPV infections go away over time with no treatment, but some can be cancer-causing, according to CancerCare Manitoba.

In 2014, the province cut funding for free HPV vaccines for women age 18 to 26, prompting concerns from some local doctors.