The decision to make a vaccine available for boys on the NHS will “eliminate the risk” of them developing several cancers and genital warts, according to an MP.

Since 2008, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has been offered to girls in order to protect them from cervical cancer.

But the Joint Council for Vaccination and Immunisation, a government advisory committee, has now approved an application for it to be made available to boys.

North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale secured a 90-minute debate in Parliament on the issue at the beginning of May.

Reacting to the news, he said: “Until now there has been an assumption that vaccinating girls would eliminate the risk of boys acquiring the sexually transmitted HP virus but of course not all girls are vaccinated, people travel and engage in sexual activity while abroad and with other men.

“In time this decision should come close to protecting men from developing, in later life, cancers of the throat and others caused by a virus that may have lain dormant for many years.”

There is a range of types of HPV, with some linked to cancers and others known to cause conditions like warts and verrucas. The virus is common and can be sexually transmitted.

Schoolgirls tend to be offered the vaccine in Year 8 and then a second dose six to 12 months later.

But it has not been given to boys despite it also being linked to cancers of the throat and male genitalia.

Sir Roger is hoping for the vaccination programme to begin in time for the beginning of the new school year in September.