Opposition Spokesman on Health, Dr. Dayton Campbell, has called on the Health Ministry to also offer the HPV vaccine to boys.

Currently, the vaccination programme only targets school girls in grade 7, and is aimed at preventing cervical cancer.

The Human Papilloma Virus is a sexually transmitted infection and the vaccine can help in the treatment of the STI.

Dr. Campbell says, while he understands the desire to have girls vaccinated at an early age, prior to when they are likely to become sexually active, boys tend to be more promiscuous.

As such, they should also be given the HPV vaccine.

However, in response, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, says for now, the focus is on preventing cervical cancer in females.

Dr. Tufton says cost restrictions contributed to the decision to only vaccinate girls.

He says boys will be protected by a process called the ‘herd immunity’.