New research shows boys can also benefit from getting the HPV vaccine.

A government medical advisory panel said Tuesday that boys should receive the vaccination protecting them from the human papillomavirus virus.

The controversial vaccine was originally only given to girls to help prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.

Now, area health experts are offering the HPV vaccine to boys and men.

"We do have services for the Guardisil vaccination for 18 and over," Kathy Buyeske with Family Planning Health Services said. "If they're younger than 18, they can go to the local health department for the Guardisil vaccination."

Research has shown more than 80 percent of anal cancer in men is related to HPV.

"The HPV vaccine is really being promoted for males ages 9-26 to help reduce their risk of contracting genital warts," Buyeske said. "It also can protect them from penil cancer, or anal cancer also."

The vaccine costs around $140 for each shot, but doctors say most insurance companies will cover it.