Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV)

What are Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV)? 

• HPV is a group of viruses that can affect different parts of the body
• Approximately 40 types of HPV can affect the genitals 
• It can be transmitted between people through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly through sexual contact 
• HPV also causes oral cancer 

How can HPV affect me? 

• HPV infection can cause cervical, vulva, and vagina cancers in females. Cervical Cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting females in Singapore 
• For men, HPV infection can cause genital warts and anal cancer 
• HPV can also cause genital warts in both males and females 

How can I best protect myself against an HPV infection and decrease my risk of getting Cervical Cancer? 

• Go for regular cervical cancer screening as it is the most effective way to detect high-risk HPV strains that can cause cervical cancer. 
• All women aged 25 and above who have ever had sex should have either a Pap test once every three years (for women 25 to 29 years old) or an HPV (or HPV DNA) test once every five years (for women 30 years and above). 
• All females aged 9 - 26 are strongly recommended to get the HPV vaccination to prevent cervical cancer.    
• Even if you have received the HPV vaccination, it is important that you still go for regular cervical cancer screening as the HPV immunisation only protects against 70 to 90 per cent of high-risk HPV strains. 

Cervical Cancer Screening 

• The HPV vaccine is not a substitute for cervical cancer screening. 
• It is recommended that women aged 25 to 69 years old go for regular cervical cancer screening as the HPV vaccination does not protect against all cancer-causing HPV sub types. 
• To find out more information about cervical cancer screening, please visit https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/costs-and-financing/34/cervical-cancer-screening-subsidies-in-singapore or speak to one of our doctors at our clinics. 
• FAQs: https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/701/faqs-on-hpv-and-hpv-immunisation 

Who should get the HPV vaccine? 

What types of HPV vaccines are available at NEMG? 

• We offer Cervarix which provides protection against HPV types 16, 18 as well as Gardasil 9 which provides protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58.  
• Cervarix provides protection against HPV types which account for 70% of all cervical cancers and have been shown to be both clinically- and cost-effective in the local setting for females. 
• Gardasil 9 provides protection against an additional 20% of cancer-causing HPV types and is effective for both males and females. 

Who should not get vaccinated? 

• The HPV vaccines may not be suitable for you if you are sensitive to yeast or any of the vaccine components. 
• You may consult one of our doctors at any NEMG clinic if you require more information regarding vaccine suitability. 

Are there subsidies for the HPV vaccines? 

• Subsidy for the Cervarix vaccine (3 doses) is available at NEMG clinics for Singapore resident females aged between 18-26 years old. ** 
• If you are a Singapore resident female aged 9 to 14 years old (2 doses), you may also be eligible for the subsidy.  
• Please enquire at any of our clinics for more information.  

**For more details, visit Temasek Foundation website.