MADISON (WMSN) -- The Centers for Disease Control is recommending a controversial vaccine for boys. An advisory panel is so convinced of the benefit of the HPV vaccine, the vote was a
decisive 13-0, with one abstention.

The HPV vaccine has long been recommended to prevent cervical cancer in girls.

More than 8,000 HPV-positive head and neck cancers are diagnosed every year. The number of cancers has increased dramatically over the past decade. Researchers think men are getting it from women - through oral sex or other close contact.

The vaccine is controversial, with some critics saying further study is needed. Fewer than 50 percent of children now get the vaccine, but medical experts say these vaccines are as important as those for polio and mumps.

Federal health officials normally adopt the panel's recommendations and ask physicians and patients to follow their guidelines.