What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus affecting both males and females, often without symptoms. It can lead to cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females, anal cancer, certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers, and genital warts in both males and females. HPV spreads through sexual contact, even from asymptomatic carriers.
About HPV Vaccines
Various HPV strains exist, with strains 16 and 18 responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers. The Gardasil 9 vaccine targets multiple strains and is recommended for both females & males from the ages of 9 to 45 years old to reduce cancer risk. The vaccines approved for use in Singapore are Cervarix and Gardasil 9, our doctors can assess your eligibility and suitability for vaccination.
Details of the vaccinations are shown in the table below:
HPV Vaccines | Gardasil 9 | Cervarix |
|---|
Protect against these HPV subtypes | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 | 16, 18 |
Approved indications | Prevention of cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancer caused by HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
Prevention of dysplastic, premalignant cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal lesions caused by types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58
Prevention of genital warts caused by types 6 and 11
| Prevention of cervical cancer and premalignant cervical lesions caused by HPV types 16 and 18 |
Approved Age For Use | Females and males aged 9 to 45, or as advised by your doctor. | Females aged 9 to 25, or as advised by your doctor. |
Vaccination Schedule | Females and males aged 9 to 14
Two doses: 5 to 13 months apart
Females and males aged 15 to 45
Three doses: 0, 2 and 6 months | Females aged 9 to 14
Two doses: 5 to 13 months apart
Females aged 15 to 25
Second dose: 1 to 2.5 months after the first dose
Third dose: 5 to 12 months after the first dose |
Charges & applicable subsidies
HPV Screening options: PAP Smear (ThinPrep) vs HPV Test
PAP Smear (ThinPrep) | HPV Test |
|---|
The PAP smear screens for abnormal changes in the cervical cell.
It is a fast and simple procedure where an instrument is inserted into your vagina to locate the cervix. A soft brush is then used to collect some cells from your cervix. These cells will be sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. | The HPV test screens for the high-risk cancer-causing HPV strains 16, 18 in the cervical cells.
The sample cells are collected via the same procedure as the PAP smear. However, your cells will be tested for the presence of HPV. |
It is recommended to be done every three years, for women between 25 to 29 years old. | Prevention of cervical cancer and premalignant cervical lesions caused by HPV types 16 and 18 |
As the body may be able to clear infections on its own, going for a HPV test at this age may not be necessary. | HPV test is a more effective test in determining cervical cancer. This is because while your cells may appear normal, with the presence of high-risk HPV strains, the risk of your cells developing pre-cancer or cancerous changes in the future is higher. |
Cervical cancer screening is available at $5 or less for eligible patients, read more about Screen for Life (SFL) national screening programme here. Please note that consultation and administering of vaccinations are strictly by appointment only.
Information source: HPB, Last updated in Dec 2023
