HPV Vaccine for Boys in India: 4 Myths Every Parent Must Stop Believing

“Doctor, I thought HPV was a girl’s problem. Why should my son get this vaccine?”

It’s a question we hear almost every day. And it’s time to clear the air.

In 2023, India made history by launching Cervavac, its first locally made HPV vaccine. It’s a powerful step forward in preventing cervical cancer in girls—but what most families don’t realise is that HPV doesn’t only affect girls. Boys are at risk too—and can also spread the virus unknowingly to others.

This blog is for every Indian parent still wondering: Does my son really need the HPV vaccine? Short answer:

Yes. And here’s why.

💡 First, let's understand what is HPV?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the world. It causes:

• Cervical cancer in women

• Penile, throat, and anal cancers in men

• Genital warts in both sexes

Most people get infected in their teens or 20s—and don’t even know it. Vaccinating early (before exposure) is the best protection.

🔍 Myth 1: “HPV vaccine is only for girls.”

Truth: Boys need it too.

HPV causes over 1 lakh new cancer cases in Indian men every year, including throat and anal cancers. Boys can also pass the virus to their future partners.Vaccinating boys breaks the chain of transmission and builds herd protection.

🧠 Think of it like herd immunity for measles—everyone needs to be covered.

HPV vaccine for boys in India protects against multiple cancers.

🔍 Myth 2: “But my son is too young for this talk.”

Truth: The best time for vaccination is before exposure—between 9 to 14 years.

The HPV vaccine works best before sexual debut, not after.It also builds stronger immunity in this age group, needing just two shots instead of three later.

✅ The Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) recommends routine HPV vaccination for both boys and girls aged 9–14.

🔍 Myth 3: “There’s not enough Indian data.”

Truth: India now has Cervavac, a government-approved HPV vaccine based on real Indian trials.

It’s effective, safe, and available through both private clinics and state programs in many parts of India.

And yes—it’s licensed for boys, just like girls.

🔍 Myth 4: “Won’t it affect fertility or cause side effects?”

Truth: HPV vaccines do not affect fertility, puberty, or long-term health.

Most people feel only mild arm soreness or fatigue after the shot.

Serious reactions are extremely rare—fewer than 1 per million doses.

🌿 Globally, over 350 million HPV doses have been safely given to children, including boys.

📋 Action Plan for Indian Parents

Here’s how to protect your son—and your family:

Step	What to Do
✅ Age	Ideal: 9–14 years. OK till 26 years
✅ Vaccine	Cervavac (India), Gardasil-9
✅ Doses	2 doses, 6 months apart (if <15 years)
✅ Cost	₹ 2,500–₹ 10,500 per dose (varies with brand)

💉 Ask your pediatrician about availability and age-specific schedule.

👪 Why Boys + Girls = Safer Families

When both boys and girls are vaccinated, we:

• Reduce overall HPV spread

• Protect boys from cancers later in life

• Protect future partners (and prevent cervical cancer)

• Break the social stigma of “this is only for girls”

Let’s protect our sons and our daughters. Equally.

🗣 Real Parent Moment

"At first, I didn’t think my son needed it. But after reading about boys getting throat cancer from HPV, we booked his first dose the next week. I'm so glad we didn’t wait."— Ritika, parent of 13-year-old, Chandigarh

🧠 Quick Recap

• HPV affects boys too—they can get cancer and pass it on.

• Vaccination is safe, effective, and works best before exposure.

• Ages 9–14 is the sweet spot for strong, long-lasting immunity.

• Cervavac is now available in India for both boys and girls.

• Start the conversation. Protect your child. Break the stigma.

🤝 HPV vaccine for boys in India is possible now!

Want to protect your son’s future health with the HPV vaccine? Speak to your pediatrician today—or check out our vaccine experts here. At our clinic, we offer HPV vaccine for both boys, girls and women—Cervavac as well as Gardasil-9 under the guidance of Dr Ajay Gupta.

Explore more on vaccinations in our dedicated vaccine blog section.