The HPV vaccines protect against infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus and almost everyone gets it at some point of time in their lives. There are over 100 strains, and about 13 strains can lead to cervical cancer. As HPV is a common virus, our bodies are able to clear the infection on its own. However, high-risk HPV strains such as HPV 16 and 18 may cause a persistent infection, which can lead to cervical cancer. The HPV strains 16 and 18 are estimated to account for about 70% of cervical cancer cases.

More detailed information on the HPV vaccination and how it can protect you is available on HealthHub and the Singapore Cancer Society website.

The HPV vaccination is recommended for all females aged 9 to 26 years as according to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).

For females aged 9 – 14 years at the time of the first dose, a total of 2 doses are recommended. The second dose may be given 5 to 13 months after the first dose.

For females aged 15 years and above at the time of the first dose, a total of 3 doses are recommended. The second dose may be given between 1 to 2.5 months after the first dose, followed by the third dose between 5 to 12 months after the first dose.

If you have initiated your HPV vaccination series, the same HPV vaccine should be used, as far as possible, to continue or complete the series. Please discuss with your doctor if you wish to change the HPV vaccine type halfway through the series.

If you have recently received the COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. in the last 14 days), you can still receive the HPV vaccine. An interval of at least 14 days before or after the COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged, but is not strictly necessary. Please consult your doctor for the latest guidelines.

• Singapore Citizen (SC) females aged 9 – 26 years are eligible for government subsidies at both CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.
• Permanent Resident (PR) females aged 9 – 26 years are eligible for government subsidies only at polyclinics.
• SC and PR females aged 9 – 26 years can use MediSave to cover the out-of-pocket costs at both locations.
• SC females aged 18 – 26 years old with a valid Orange or Blue CHAS card can receive the HPV2 vaccination at no cost under the Temasek Foundation HPV Immunisation Programme if you have your first dose done before 30 September 2024.
• SC females aged 18 - 26 years old with a valid Orange or Blue CHAS card can receive the HPV2 vaccination at no cost under the Temasek Foundation HPV Immunisation Programme if you have your first dose done by 30 September 2024. Subsequent dose(s) should be received at TF-SCS partner clinics by 30 April 2025. Ensure that your CHAS cards are still valid (not expired) during this period.

CHAS GP Clinics

SC females aged 18 – 26 years:

• For SC females aged 18 – 26 years, (i.e. first dose to be taken from 18th birthday to before 27th birthday), the subsidised price fee cap of HPV2 vaccination at CHAS GP clinics is dependent on the type of CHAS card you hold.
• Orange and Blue CHAS card holders:
  • Temasek Foundation will fully fund the out-of-pocket costs at over 300 GP clinics islandwide under the TF-SCS HPV Immunisation programme if the first dose is done before 30 September 2024. Look out for the TF-SCS Partner label when choosing your clinic. For more details visit:
    https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/jabouthpv/
  • If you have not received the HPV2 vaccination under the TF-SCS HPV Immunisation Programme, the maximum amount Orange and Blue CHAS card holders will pay for HPV2 vaccination is $23 per dose. MediSave can be used to cover the out-of-pocket costs.
• Green and non-CHAS card holders: The maximum amount you will pay for HPV2 vaccination is $45 per dose. MediSave can be used to cover the out-of-pocket costs.

SC females aged 9 – 17 years:

• HPV2 vaccination is offered as a school-based programme for Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 female students.
• HPV2 vaccination is also available and fully subsidised at CHAS GP clinics.

PR females aged 9 – 26 years:

PR females aged 9 – 26 years may receive the HPV2 vaccination at CHAS GP clinics, but it is not subsidised. The vaccination costs for HPV2 may be fully paid by MediSave. Please check with the CHAS GP clinic directly on the cost of vaccination.

Others

All other females are advised to check with your doctor about the vaccination and the associated costs.

Polyclinics

SC/PR Females aged 18 – 26 years

SC and PR females aged 18 – 26 years may receive the subsidised HPV2 vaccination at polyclinics and may use MediSave to pay the out-of-pocket payment. The subsidy is based on individual means testing. Please check with the polyclinic directly on the cost of vaccination.

SC females aged 9 - 17 years

• HPV2 vaccination is offered as a school-based programme for Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 female students.
• HPV2 vaccination is also available and fully subsidised (i.e. pay $0) at polyclinics.

PR females aged 9 - 26 years

PR females aged 9 – 26 years may receive the subsidised HPV2 vaccination at polyclinics and may use MediSave to pay the out­ of-pocket payment. Please check with the polyclinic directly on the cost of vaccination.

HPV2 (Cervarix) provides protection against HPV types 16 and 18, which account for 70% of all cervical cancers. HPV2 has shown to be both clinically- and cost-effective in the local setting, and is registered for use for females. HPV9 (Gardasil 9) vaccination provides protection against an additional 20% of cancer-causing HPV types, and is registered for use for both females and males. Government subsidies and MediSave are not available for vaccination with HPV9 (Gardasil 9) but you have the option to take this vaccination at your own cost. Please check with the clinic directly on the pricing.

Please confirm with your doctor on the type of HPV vaccination that you wish to receive prior when making the appointment.

Females attending MOE-registered secondary schools, Special Education (SPED) schools, Privately-Funded schools and full-time Madrasahs will be offered HPV2 in Secondary 1 and 2. This programme has been in place since 2019. Secondary One students who missed the school-based HPV vaccination will be contacted by HPB vendors and offered the option to complete their vaccination in the vendor’s clinic.

For female (SCs and PRs) who are home-schooled or who study in private institutions or overseas, there are several options available to help them complete their HPV vaccinations:

• Book via the Health Appointment System with a CHAS GP provider near their home. Please see the section on 'How much will it cost'
• Email “Contact_YPS@HPB.gov.sg” to book an appointment to receive the HPV vaccination at the Student Health Centre (SHC). This option is fully subsidised for both citizens and PRs until the age of 17.
• Contact their preferred polyclinic to or any other private medical clinic that carries the HPV vaccine. Please check with the provider on their vaccination charges.

It is recommended that HPV vaccination be completed as early as possible between the ages of 9 – 26 years old.