HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus which often has no symptoms, but which can increase your risk of cancer later in life. As it spreads easily from person to person, most people do not know they have it.
What is HPV?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), often affecting the skin or mucous membranes. While many infections clear up on their own, some types can increase your risk of cancer.
There are over 100 different strains of HPV, each of which is given a number known as the HPV type. Many of these strains are spread through close skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
HPV infections generally fall into two categories:
- Low-risk HPV:
- The most common low-risk strains are HPV types 6 and 11. These are usually responsible for genital warts but are not linked to cancer.
- High-risk HPV strains:
- These include types 16 and 18, which are associated with common cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, anal and oropharyngeal cancers.
While there is currently no cure for HPV, most cases resolve on their own. However, some HPV infections may lead to health problems such as cancer.
Therefore, it is best to prevent HPV infection by getting vaccinated, which is recommended for young people before they become sexually active.
About the HPV vaccine
Gardasil-9 is one of the HPV vaccines most widely available in Singapore. You can get it at various clinics and hospitals. The vaccine is given in a series of shots and protects against nine types of HPV: The numbers are 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. These types are linked to both genital warts and HPV-related cancers.
But it's important to remember that the vaccine doesn't treat the disease. Instead, it helps your immune system build protection against HPV strains before you are exposed to the virus. It does not treat HPV infections that you have already had or are still having.
Who should receive the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccination is recommended from the age of 9, with a routine vaccination at 11 or 12. For those who were not vaccinated earlier, it is still beneficial to get vaccinated up to age 26. Some adults up to age 45 may also benefit from HPV vaccination, provided they have discussed their risk exposure with a healthcare professional.
According to Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), all females aged 9 to 26 are recommended to receive the HPV vaccine.
Although HPV vaccines are not currently included in the NCIS and NAIS for males, some are approved for them too. Vaccinating males helps to reduce the overall spread of infectious material and protects future sexual partners.
If you’re unsure whether the vaccine is suitable for you, seek medical advice to understand the potential benefits.
Under what conditions should one avoid taking the HPV vaccine?
You should not receive the HPV vaccine under the following circumstances:
- You are currently pregnant.
- You’ve had an allergic reaction to a previous dose or any vaccine components.
- You’re feeling moderately to severely unwell—it's best to wait until you've recovered.
For more information about the HPV vaccination and whether it may be suitable for you, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. You may contact Thomson Medical to arrange a consultation for further advice tailored to your individual health needs.
What are the types of HPV vaccines available in Singapore?
If you're considering HPV vaccination, you have three options available in Singapore. Each vaccine offers protection against different strains of the virus:
- Cervarix (HPV2):
- This protects you against HPV types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases.
- Gardasil (HPV4):
- This protects you against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts, as well as types 16 and 18, which are linked to most cervical cancers.
- Gardasil 9 (HPV9):
- This offers the broadest protection, covering HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It helps protect you against a wide range of HPV-related cancers and genital warts.
Your healthcare professional will help you decide which vaccine is right for you based on your age and health factors.
What precautions should I follow before receiving the HPV vaccine?
Before receiving the HPV vaccine, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies, especially to medications or vaccines.
If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon, you may need to delay your vaccination. You should also let your provider know if you are feeling unwell or have a weakened immune system, as it may be safer to wait until you have fully recovered before receiving the vaccine.
Sharing this information with your doctor helps ensure the vaccine is safe and appropriate for you.
How is the HPV vaccine given?
The HPV vaccine is usually given via an injection into the shoulder muscle. Each dose is 0.5 millilitres.
If you start the vaccine course before the age of 15, you will need two doses, with the second dose given six months after the first. If you start at age 15 or older, you will need three doses—the second dose is given one month after the first, and the third dose is administered six months after the first.
Completing the entire vaccination series is important for full protection. If you miss a dose or the schedule is interrupted, there’s no need to start over. However, you should get the missed dose as soon as possible and then continue with the vaccination schedule to ensure that you are fully protected.
Are there any HPV vaccine side effects?
The HPV vaccine is safe, but like any vaccine, you might experience some mild side effects after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for a short while after the vaccination to make sure you’re feeling well before you go home.
Some common side effects include:
- Soreness, swelling, or redness where the injection was given
- Muscle or joint pain
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fever
- Headache
- Itchy skin rashes over your entire body
In very rare cases, a severe allergic reaction may occur. However, there are no known long-term side effects from the HPV vaccine.
If you have any concerns after your vaccination, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
FAQ
What causes HPV in females?
In females, HPV is most commonly spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person.
What is the HPV vaccine given for?
The HPV vaccine is given to protect you from getting infected with HPV. By lowering your high-risk HPV infection, the vaccine also helps protect you from developing genital warts and HPV-related cancers, such as cervical, anal, oral, and neck cancers. It also helps lower the spread of the virus among sexually active people, supporting better preventive healthcare for everyone.
How do I know if I am HPV vaccinated?
To determine if you have received your HPV vaccination, it is best for you to check your vaccination records with your healthcare team. They can assess your medical history and confirm if you have received your HPV vaccines.
Can I still get the HPV vaccine after 26?
Certainly, after consulting your healthcare provider, you can still receive the HPV vaccine after age 26. While the immune response and preventive benefits are greatest before age 26, vaccination may still reduce the risk of infection and HPV-related cancers, such as cervical, vulvar, and anal cancer, especially for active people or those at higher risk
Does the HPV vaccine offer benefits if you're already sexually active?
Yes, even if you’re already sexually active, the HPV vaccine can still help. It can reduce your risk of infection and related cancers because it is possible that you have not been exposed to all the HPV types it covers. The immune response remains strong, and vaccination is still a valuable preventive healthcare step.
Do women who've received the HPV vaccine still need to have Pap tests?
Yes. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, cervical cancer screening through regular Pap smear tests remains essential. The vaccine doesn’t cover all cancer-causing types of HPV, so screening is still a vital part of preventive healthcare. Your healthcare team will guide you on the right schedule based on your age and health history.
Is the human papillomavirus vaccination compulsory?
No, the HPV vaccination is not compulsory in Singapore. However, it is strongly recommended, especially for females aged 9 to 26, as it offers effective protection against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
Although vaccination of males is not part of the NCIS and NAIS, men who feel they are at higher risk of HPV infection – for example, those with multiple partners or who have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised) – may also choose to get vaccinated. If you're unsure, your healthcare provider can help you decide based on your risk factors.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Women's Health)
Thomson Women's Clinic (TWC)
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