HPV or Human Papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted viral infection. Though certain types of the virus are harmless and resolve by themselves, some may lead to genital warts and cervical cancer.
Two Categories of HPV: Low-risk and High-risk
Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a common viral infection transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity or by sharing contaminated sex toys. It can affect both men and women and is categorized into high-risk (oncogenic) types that cause cancer and low-risk (non-oncogenic) types that do not cause cancer but cause genital warts.
Low-risk HPV infection sometimes will resolve by itself and the infected person may not develop any symptoms or health issues. High-risk HPV infection causes:
- Vagina, vulva, and cervical cancer
- Penile cancer
- Anal cancer and throat cancer (including tongue and tonsils)
Low-risk HPV types (Do not cause cancer) | 6, 11, 27, 32, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 55, 57, 60, 61, 62, 64, 71, 72, 74, 76, 81, 83, 84, 86, 87, 89, 90, 91 | 6 and 11 are responsible for about 90% of genital warts cases. |
Possible-risk HPV types (Possible to cause cancer) | 26, 30, 34, 53, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 73, 82, 85, 97 | |
High-risk HPV types (May cause cancer) | 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 | 16 and 18 account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. |
Who Is at Risk of Getting HPV Infection?
HPV is a common viral infection, that may not manifest within months or years after a person was first infected. There are many people who have it and do not know when they first come in contact with the virus. This means an infected person who has no signs or symptoms of infection, can pass it to others.
However, the risk of infection appears higher in people who have multiple sexual partners and those who have an already weak immune system such as patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or who are taking immune-system suppressing drugs.
Types of HPV Vaccines
At present, there are two types of vaccines approved in Singapore, which are the quadrivalent (4 strains) and nine-valent (9 strains) HPV vaccines.
| Type of Vaccine | Protect Against These HPV Types |
Quadrivalent (4 strains) | 6, 11, 16, and 18 |
Nine-valent (9 strains) | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
Both vaccines are administered as injections that will come in three doses. In order to get the full benefits of HPV vaccinations, it is strongly advised to follow the scheduled vaccination dates.
HPV Vaccination and Dosing Schedule
First dose: at a date you and your doctor arrange
Second dose: 2 months after the first dose
Third dose: 4 months after the second dose
Who Should Get Vaccinated Against HPV?
HPV vaccinations are recommended for both females and males, aged 9 to 26 years old. They are most effective if given before the person starts becoming sexually active.
However, for people who have started having sex, HPV vaccinations can still provide protection from HPV types that they have not yet been exposed to.
Medisave Claim for HPV Vaccination
The National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) makes it possible for Singaporean adults aged 18 and older to use their Medisave for approved vaccinations including HPV vaccines. A patient can also use his or her immediate family member’s Medisave account with a $400 limit per account per year.
The cost for the two types of HPV Vaccines at Sincere Medical Specialist Center:
| Type of Vaccine | Cost | Medisave Claimable |
Quadrivalent (4 strains) | $126 per dose, or $378 for three doses | Yes |
Nine-valent (9 strains) | $275 per dose, $825 for three doses | No |
Our HPV vaccination stock will be replenished in August. Book early to avoid disappointment! If you are confirmed on our wait list, we’ll contact you as soon as stock arrives. Don’t hesitate to contact us at +65 6507 0766 or email enquiries@shg.com.sg for inquiries about our vaccinations and health screening packages. Do note that HPV vaccination will not cure existing infection. HPV vaccination, together with regular health screening, such as Pap Smear, is recommended to help protect against cervical cancer.
