Health Canada has given a green signal to use of the HPV vaccine Gardasil for men. The Federal Government authorized Merck Frosst for the marketing of Gardasil for males aged between 9 and 26 years on February 22nd. Approve

"If they are having sex with more than one individual, theoretically, it will decrease the prevalence of HPV spread in the population as well, so it will help women indirectly", said Dr. Bob Lotocki, Program Director of the Manitoba Cervical Cancer Screening Program.

However, Dr. Andy Potter, Director of the University of Saskatchewan's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, said ,"Canada essentially is following what other countries are doing around the world. It's not something for which we've jumped out on a limb and said, 'Let's give it a shot. It's something that's happening all over the world".

The experts have warned that HPV gives way to a number of different viruses under one family causing a variety of problems ranging from warts to cancer.

Appreciating the capability of women in getting vaccinated against HPV themselves , Lotocki said that the vaccine protects women against the two genotypes of HPV that are associated with 70 % of cervical cancers, and potentially up to 50% or more of precancerous lesions.

He claimed that the new vaccine would provide personal protection for men.