Cervical cancer vaccine
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) are viruses that most of us have at some time in our lives. There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, and some of them come and go without any symptoms. Others can cause changes in cells which can lead to genital warts or cervical cancer.
Prevention and early detection are essential when it comes to our health. Getting the cervical cancer vaccine, also known as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, will safeguard you against the virus.
Types of HPV vaccines
In Singapore, three HPV vaccines are available: Cervarix®, Gardasil® and Gardasil 9®. Cervarix® protects against HPV16 and HPV18, which means it offers protection against cervical cancer.
Gardasil® protects against HPV16, HPV18 and HPV6 and HPV11, which means that it protects against genital warts and cervical cancer. Gardasil 9® is a new vaccine that offers protection against nine different types of HPV.r.
It is worth noting that the HPV vaccine does not protect against all HPV types— so it will not prevent all cases of cervical cancer. Since the vaccine will not prevent some cervical cancers, it will be necessary for women to continue getting screened for cervical cancer.
Who should get a cervical cancer (HPV) vaccine?
HPV vaccination is recommended for 11 and 12-year-old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women aged 13 through 26 years of age who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series. In some countries, it is licensed for use in adults up to the age of 45 years. The dosing schedule consists of two or three doses over 6 months depending on the age at which one starts the course – if started before 14 years of age, only two doses are needed.
HPV can cause cancers of the mouth, throat and anogenital areas in males. HPV vaccination is therefore also recommended for boys, starting at the same age group as for girls. The immunisation guidelines in the US, Australia, UK, and many countries in Europe now include HPV vaccination (Gardasil and Gardasil 9) for boys.
Contact us
Contact us to discuss whether a cervical cancer vaccine is recommended. We can follow the recommendations of your home country when in Singapore.
We have two practices: Raffles Hotel Arcade (CBD) and The Star Vista (off Holland Rd). There is plenty of parking and public transport at both locations.