What is HPV vaccination?
HPV vaccination can help to protect against specific types of HPV infection that cause most cases of genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers. The protection from HPV vaccination is maximized when given before one is exposed to HPV, that is before one starts any sexual activity.
Is HPV vaccination compulsory?
HPV vaccination is not mandatory but strongly recommended in Singapore for females aged 9 to 26 who wish to prevent HPV infection and the risk of developing cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination was included in the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule in Nov 2010 for females 9 to 26 years old for prevention against cervical cancer, and incorporated into the National Adult Immunisation Schedule when it was established in November 2017.
Since April 2019, HPV vaccination was rolled-out as a school-based program for female students in Secondary 1 and 2. HPV vaccination is not included in the immunization schedule for males, although it is licensed for use and available to males who wish to protect themselves from HPV infection.
Which HPV vaccines are available in Singapore?
The vaccines approved and available in Singapore are Cervarix and Gardasil 9.
Cervarix provides protection against HPV subtypes 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.
Gardasil 9 provides protection against an additional 20% of cancer-causing HPV subtypes for both females and males.
Cervarix is government-subsidized for Singaporean females and it is also the vaccine given in the school-based program. However, Gardasil 9 is not government-subsidized.
Further details of the different vaccinations are listed in the table below.
| Cervarix | Gardasil 9 |
Protection against HPV subtypes | 16, 18 | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
Approved indications in Singapore | Prevention of cervical cancer and premalignant cervical lesions caused by HPV subtypes 16 and 18 | Prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancer caused by HPV subtypes 16,18,31,33,45,52 and 58. Prevention of dysplastic, premalignant cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal lesions caused by HPV subtypes 6,11,16,18,31,33,45,52 and 58. Prevention of genital warts caused by HPV subtypes 6 and 11. |
Approved gender and age for use | Females aged 9 to 25 years, or as advised by your doctor | Females and males aged 9 to 45 years, or as advised by your doctor |
Vaccination schedule | Females aged 9 to 14 years: 2 doses, 5 to 13 months apart Females aged 15 to 25 years: 3 doses at 0, 1-2.5, 12 months | Females and males aged 9 to 14 years: 2 doses, 6 to 12 months apart Females and males aged 15 to 45 years: 3 doses at 0, 2 and 6 months |
How can we help at Oaklife Family Clinic?
We provide both Cervarix (subsidized for Singaporeans according to the National Immunisation Schedules criteria) and Gardasil 9 HPV vaccinations.
Speak to our doctors to find out which HPV vaccine is suitable for you or your child.
Related article (click on link): HPV and Cervical Cancer
Written by Dr Jacquelyn Melody on 27 Sep 2023
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Disclaimer: this article is written for educational purposes and does not substitute for medical diagnosis and treatment.