HPV Vaccine in Singapore (2024)

Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a widespread virus that affects both men and women in various parts of the body.

With over 100 strains, HPV is categorised into (i) high-risk types, which can lead to cancer, and (ii) low-risk types, which are generally not cancerous.

• High-Risk HPV Strains: These are linked to cancers such as cervical, vaginal, and vulva cancers in women, and more rarely, anal and penile cancers in men. HPV subtypes 16 and 18 are the most prevalent among these high-risk categories.
• Low-Risk HPV Strains: These might not cause any symptoms, or they could lead to genital warts. Strains 6 and 11 are behind approximately 90% of genital warts cases.

Other strains of HPV can infect areas like the skin on the fingers, hands, as well as the mouth, throat, and face. Around 40 of these types specifically target the genital area.

HPV can infect the cervix, vagina, and vulva. Often, the body's immune system successfully combats and eliminates the virus.

But sometimes, an HPV infection may linger and lead to cell abnormalities. These changes have the potential to evolve into cervical cancer over time, which is a serious risk associated with HPV infection.

Specifically, subtypes 16 and 18 of HPV are responsible for roughly 70% of all cervical cancer instances.

The virus can pass from one person to another via skin-to-skin contact, including sexual intercourse and oral sex, the use of shared contaminated sex toys, and very occasionally, from a mother to her newborn during childbirth.

Many HPV infections occur without any noticeable symptoms. Some can cause genital warts, while others may result in oral infections like warts in the mouth or throat, or even oropharyngeal cancers.

Infections with high-risk HPV in the cervix typically show no symptoms. These types of abnormalities are only detectable through cervical screenings like Pap tests or HPV DNA tests.

Signs of cervical cancer can include:unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding outside menstrual cycles or after intercourse, and changes in vaginal discharge colour, amount, or smell.

About 90% of HPV infections resolve on their own and do not require treatment.

Treatment targets conditions linked to HPV, such as precancerous changes, cancer, or genital warts.

While there is no way to treat the HPV virus directly, regular screening for cervical cancer can detect cell changes caused by HPV infection or identify the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer.

Since there is no direct cure for HPV, vaccination is the most effective preventive measure. The HPV vaccine offers protection against several types of HPV, including both low and high-risk strains. Although no vaccine provides 100% protection, the HPV vaccine significantly lowers the risk of developing cervical cancer, a prevalent condition among women in Singapore.

Cervarix (HPV2 Vaccine)

Cervarix is designed to protect against two high-risk HPV types: HPV 16 and 18. These strains are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases.

Gardasil 9 (HPV9 Vaccine)

Gardasil 9 offers protection against nine HPV types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58, which are high-risk types associated with cervical and other cancers, and types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts.

Vaccinations offer significant individual benefits by boosting the immune system's ability to fight off specific infectious diseases. They reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses, leading to fewer medical visits and a lower chance of hospitalization.

By staying up-to-date with vaccinations, individuals can also enjoy a greater sense of well-being and freedom to engage in various social activities, knowing they are protected against contagious diseases.

At ATA Medical, we offer a wide range of vaccinations to meet your various health needs, from travel to seasonal immunity, ensuring you are well-protected. Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.

Walk-ins are available. Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure about your eligibility for subsidies.
For group vaccinations at your home or other locations, please reach out to our friendly staff to find out more.

Rarely, severe allergic reactions might occur, such as swelling of the face or eyes, breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Please seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms are observed.

Disclaimer: Note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible side effects. The information above is also not meant to be substituted as medical advice. Please talk to a doctor if you have a medical concern.

ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

Our vaccination clinics are conveniently located in Central Singapore. Same day appointments for vaccinations are available.

• Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
• Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)

Orchard Clinic

Tanjong Pagar Clinic

Travel Related Consultation with Dr Jana Lim