WHAT IS HPV AND WHY THE BIG FUSS OVER GETTING VACCINATED?

HPV (Human Papilloma Viruses) are a group of viruses that are associated with cervical cancer, anal cancer and genital warts in both men and women. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will get HPV at some point in their lifetime. There are 2 HPV vaccines available at the moment, both of which confer immunity to some of the strains of HPV associated with cervical and other genital cancers, warts and lesions.

WHY SHOULD I BE VACCINATED?

Vaccination greatly reduces your risk of infection. As HPV infections are not curable, prevention and vaccinations play a critical role in preventing a potentially devastating cancer. It is important to note that vaccines confer protection to specific strains of the virus and do not treat it.

“High Risk” HPV strains are those that are more likely to lead to cancer. HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for about 70% of all cases of cervical cancer and about 95% of anal cancer. The virus usually presents itself insidiously, transforming normal healthy cells into cancerous ones over the course of years. Therefore, regular screening through PAP smears and HPV testing have been recommended by the Singapore Ministry of Health.

“Low Risk” HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, are associated with 90% genital warts and lesions and can cause great discomfort and worry in those who develop it.

CERVARIX OR
GARDASIL-9?

Cervarix protects you against HPV 16 and 18, which are associated with 70% of cervical cancer and about 95% of anal cancer.

In addition to HPV 16 and 18, Gardasil 9 protects you against HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, and HPV 6 and 11 with are associated with 90% of genital warts.
Gardasil 9 protects you from more strains of the HPV virus for both males and females. However, it does cost more than Cervarix.

Please make an appointment with our physician for us to better understand you and provide a better recommendation.

CERVARIX OR GARDASIL-9?

Cervarix protects you against HPV 16 and 18, which are associated with 70% of cervical cancer and about 95% of anal cancer.

In addition to HPV 16 and 18, Gardasil 9 protects you against HPV 31, 33, 45, 52, and HPV 6 and 11 with are associated with 90% of genital warts.

Gardasil 9 protects you from more strains of the HPV virus for both males and females. However, it does cost more than Cervarix.

Please make an appointment with our physician for us to better understand you and provide a better recommendation.

SCREENING FOR CERVICAL CANCER

HPV vaccinations are not substitutes for routine cervical cancer screening. Regular screening is still your best protection against cervical cancer. You should undergo screening for cervical cancer after vaccination. The new MOH guidelines suggest a PAP smear every 3 years for those between 25 and 29 years old, and HPV testing every 5 years for those above 30 years old, regular PAP smears are still your best protection against cervical cancer.

CAN YOU BE IMMUNIZED IF YOU HAVE ALREADY HAD SEX, OR HAVE ALREADY BEEN INFECTED WITH HPV?

YES!

While HPV vaccines are approved for those from 9 to 26 years old, you can still be immunized after that in most cases. As of October 2018, the US FDA have approved the Gardasil-9 for those up to 45 years old.

The best time to get vaccinated against HPV would be before sexual contact and at a younger age. This is because any sexual contact can lead to an HPV infection. Younger people also have a stronger immune response to the vaccine, conferring more reliable protection. Those who fall outside of that bracket can still benefit from immunization because is highly unlikely that you are infected with all of 9 strains of HPV covered by Gardasil 9.

Please make an appointment with our physician if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

CAN MEDISAVE BE USED TO PAY FOR HPV VACCINATION IN SINGAPORE?

Yes!

With effect from 1 June 2018, female patients aged 18 to 26 can use up to $500 per Medisave account per year under the Medisave500 scheme to pay for the Cevarix^® HPV immunisation.

Patients can use their own Medisave or that of their immediate family members (e.g. parents or spouse) to help pay for the vaccination.

The deductible and co-payment rules will not apply for HPV vaccinations.