KUALA LUMPUR: The government is mulling to offer the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to teenage boys above 13 years old, says Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang.

       The Deputy Health Minister II said at the moment the ministry's policy was to only offer it to adolescent girls aged 13 years and above.

       "If it is permitted, in the coming year, we will implement such policies," he said in reply to Nurul Izzah Anwar (PH-Permatang Pauh) during Question Time in Parliament.

       Nurul Izzah had asked whether the Health Ministry would extend the offer to teenage boys in order to eliminate cervical cancer in the future.

       "I think the deputy minister can make sure that teenage boys can also take the vaccine.

       "This is because Malaysia is always ahead (when it comes to such matters). We can make sure that by 2030, the matter can be fully addressed and (it will) reduce the burden of our national healthcare system," she said.

       "This is because, normally, when it comes to cervical cancer, when it is diagnosed, it is a late presentation. Usually, they have reached stage three or four," added the PKR lawmaker.

       To this, Aaron said the ministry will take note of the matter.

       "We also realise that it is important for all of us in the country," he added.

       On the vaccination rate when the procurement of the HPV vaccine is received in 2022 teenage girls who missed their vaccination this year will be given through the school healthcare system as previously done.

       "Indeed we realise that the vaccination was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

       "Currently, the ministry is in the midst of procuring the HPV vaccine injections.

       "The procurement is still at the monitoring level," he said.