HPV Vaccine in Singapore

Yes. HPV affects men too — high-risk strains are linked to anal, penile and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, while low-risk strains cause genital warts. Vaccination is most effective before any sexual exposure, but adult men can still benefit, particularly if they have not yet been exposed to the strains the vaccine covers. Dr Joel will discuss whether the vaccine is appropriate for you at your consultation.

It depends on the vaccine and your age when you start. For both the bivalent and 9-valent vaccines, those who begin between ages 9 and 14 typically need 2 doses, 6 months apart. Those who start at 15 or older are given 3 doses over 6 months (second dose 2 months after the first, third dose 4 months after the second). Note the upper age limits: the bivalent vaccine (Cervarix 2) is recommended by HPB for females up to age 26, while the 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is registered for men and women up to age 45. Dr Joel will confirm the right schedule for you and book the follow-up doses.

The bivalent vaccine (HPV2, sometimes known as Cervarix) protects against two high-risk strains (16 and 18) that cause around 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases. The 9-valent vaccine (HPV9, sometimes known as Gardasil 9) protects against nine strains — seven high-risk types linked to cancers, plus two low-risk types (6 and 11) that cause most genital warts. Your doctor will help you choose based on your age, sex and circumstances.

Yes — the bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) is on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list. MOH currently allows MediSave to be used by female Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents from age 18 to before age 27, subject to annual withdrawal limits. MediSave can be used for the patient or for an immediate family member. The 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is not currently on the Nationally Recommended Vaccines list, so it is not MediSave-claimable. Dr Joel's team will confirm your eligibility and help process the claim at your visit.

Yes — but the choice of vaccine narrows. The bivalent vaccine (Cervarix 2) is only recommended by HPB up to age 26, while the 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is registered for use up to age 45 and is the option for older adults. Vaccination is most effective when given before any sexual exposure to HPV, so benefit reduces with age and prior exposure — but adults aged 27 to 45 who are unlikely to have already been exposed to the strains covered may still benefit. Dr Joel will go through the decision with you on a case-by-case basis.

Most side effects are mild and settle within a day or two — soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, tiredness, or muscle aches. Some people feel dizzy or briefly faint after the injection, which is why we observe you for around 15 minutes afterwards. Serious reactions are rare. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) or a widespread rash.

It can be. The vaccine protects against the strains of HPV you have not yet been exposed to, even if you have already encountered others. Most sexually active adults have only been exposed to a small number of HPV types, so vaccination can still offer meaningful protection against the rest. It does not, however, treat an existing HPV infection or clear strains you already have.

At Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic, the bivalent vaccine (Cervarix 2) is $96 per dose and is MediSave-claimable. CHAS Orange or Blue cardholders pay $23 per dose, and CHAS Green cardholders or other Singaporeans pay $45 per dose. The 9-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9) is $250 per dose, or $700 for the full 3-dose series. Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST; consultation fees are charged separately. See the full pricing table above or WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm current rates before booking.