What Is the HPV Vaccine and Should My Child Get It?
HPV causes cervical cancer, throat cancer, and genital warts. Singapore has a school programme for girls and private options for boys. Here is what parents need to know.
What HPV Is and Why It Matters
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection. Most HPV infections are cleared naturally by the immune system, but persistent infection with certain high-risk strains can lead to serious diseases.
| HPV Strain Type | Disease Caused | Singapore Context |
|---|---|---|
| High-risk strains (HPV 16, 18, and others) | Cervical cancer, oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, anal cancer, vulvar/vaginal cancer, penile cancer | Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer in Singapore women aged 15 to 44 |
| Low-risk strains (HPV 6, 11) | Genital warts | Common; distressing but not cancer-causing |
Gardasil 9, the vaccine used in Singapore's school programme, protects against 9 HPV strains (including the two most common cancer-causing strains, HPV 16 and 18, as well as 5 additional high-risk strains and the two genital wart strains). It is estimated to prevent over 90% of HPV-related cancers.
MOE School Programme for Girls
Singapore's Ministry of Education runs a school-based HPV vaccination programme for all girls in secondary school. This is one of the most effective public health programmes in Singapore.
Programme Details
- Vaccine: Gardasil 9 (9-valent HPV vaccine)
- Who: All Secondary 1 and Secondary 2 girls in MOE schools
- Schedule: 2 doses, given approximately 6 months apart (Secondary 1 and Secondary 2)
- Cost: Heavily subsidised (nominal fee or free for SC girls); check MOH/HPB for current rates
- Consent required from parents; opt-in with school administration at the start of Secondary 1
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before any HPV exposure, which is why the school programme targets early adolescence. Girls who miss the school programme can still get the vaccine privately, but the cost is significantly higher.
Boys and the HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is not currently included in Singapore's school programme for boys. However, some paediatricians and the general medical community recommend that boys also receive HPV vaccination.
Why vaccinate boys? HPV causes throat cancer (oropharyngeal cancer) in men, which is increasing in incidence. HPV also causes penile and anal cancers in men. Vaccination of boys provides direct protection and also reduces transmission to female partners (herd protection effect).
- Available privately in Singapore from paediatric clinics
- Gardasil 9 is the same vaccine used in the girls' programme
- Schedule: 2 doses for boys under 15; 3 doses for ages 15 and above (or immunocompromised individuals)
- Cost: S$200 to S$300 per dose; S$400 to S$900 total depending on doses needed
- Medisave can be used at approved clinics
Cost Outside the School Programme and Catch-Up
For girls who missed the school programme, or for boys, the vaccine is available at private clinics. Age matters for dosing: younger adolescents need fewer doses.
| Age at First Dose | Number of Doses | Approx Total Cost (Private) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 years | 2 doses | S$400 to S$600 |
| 15 years and above | 3 doses | S$600 to S$900 |
Catch-up is effective up to age 26 for full protection. Above 26, the vaccine provides less benefit as prior HPV exposure is more likely (though not guaranteed). If your daughter missed the school programme, getting the vaccine in her late teens is still strongly recommended. Discuss with your GP or gynaecologist.
Medical disclaimer: this article is for general informational purposes only. HPV vaccine recommendations and programme details are set by MOH and MOE Singapore. Verify current information at moh.gov.sg or with your healthcare provider.