At Ezra Clinic, we believe in providing only the best for our patients - the latest HPV Vaccine Gardasil 9 is available at our clinic.
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Contents
- 1 HPV Vaccination
- 1.1 What Is HPV?
- 1.2 What Is HPV Vaccination?
- 1.3 Why Is HPV Vaccination Important?
- 1.4 Different Types of HPV Vaccination
- 1.5 Who Is Suitable For HPV Vaccination
- 1.6 Who Is NOT Suitable For The HPV Vaccination
- 1.7 How Is The HPV Vaccination Done?
- 1.8 What Does The HPV Vaccination Prevent?
- 1.9 How Can I Prepare For The HPV Vaccination?
- 1.10 Are There Any Side Effects Of The HPV Vaccine?
- 1.11 Why Should I Choose Gardasil 9?
- 1.12 What Should I Do After Receiving The HPV Vaccination?
What Is HPV?
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is encountered and acquired through sexual or skin-to-skin contact.
It is estimated that up to 70% of people will get infected with HPV sometime in their lives.
HPV can affect both males and females of all ages and is one of the top causes of several diseases including cervical cancer, genital warts, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancers, penile cancer and anal cancer.
Not everyone who is infected with HPV will develop cancer or warts. In fact, the vast majority of people who get infected with HPV do not develop any symptoms at all.
They then unknowingly transmit HPV to someone else. This is one of the major reasons why HPV is so prevalent in the world.
There are more than 100 subtypes of HPV, some of which are high risk ones more closely associated with cancer, while the lower risk ones cause warts.
What Is HPV Vaccination?
HPV vaccinations have been available since 2006.
The HPV vaccine, along with our PAP smear and HPV testing, has been the cornerstone in reducing the burden and incidence of cervical cancer in women.
According to the Singapore Cancer Society, Cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer in women in Singapore. This is markedly reduced compared to the rest of the world where cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women.
The reduction in cervical cancer cases is most evident in the developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom and also Singapore.
In its earlier days, the vaccine was marketed as a “cervical cancer” vaccine and hence was targeted primarily at the female population.
However, the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has since approved the use of Gardasil 9 for BOTH females and males aged 9 to 45.
This is because Gardasil 9 not only protects against cancer causing HPV strains, but the genital wart causing strains as well.
Why Is HPV Vaccination Important?
Getting the HPV vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from HPV infection and its related diseases.
Most people who have had any type of sexual contact in their lives would probably have been exposed to HPV.
As the majority of people infected with HPV usually show no signs or symptoms,this means that they can then transmit the HPV virus to their partners without knowing. HPV can be passed through any kind of sexual activity or skin-to-skin contact.
HPV has been linked to more than 99% of cervical cancers, 90% of anal cancers, 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers and more than 60% of penile cancers.
For women, getting vaccinated against HPV has been medically proven through multiple large-scale research studies to reduce the risk and incidence of HPV related cancers, most notably, cervical cancer. HPV vaccination can also protect women from genital warts.
For males, getting vaccinated can also protected guys against genital warts, penile and anal cancers.
Different Types of HPV Vaccination
Type of HPV Vaccine | Bivalent | Gardasil 4 | Gardasil 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
Number of HPV strains covered | 2 | 4 | 9 |
HPV strains covered | 16, 18 | 6, 11, 16, 18 | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
Number of Doses Required | 3 | 3 | 3 |
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Cons |
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Available at | Polyclinics and Schools | GP clinics | Ezra Clinic |
Cost (Approximate) | $300 to $400 | $400 + to $500 | $600 to $750 |
Claimable with Medisave | Yes | Yes | No |
Recommended Vaccine | No | No | Yes |
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Who Is Suitable For HPV Vaccination
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), the use of Gardasil 9 is approved for use on BOTH females and males aged 9 to 45.
While the HPV Vaccine is ideally to be completed before one starts to become sexually active, it is still effective and suitable for men and women who are already sexually active.
Who Is NOT Suitable For The HPV Vaccination
Anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients listed in the vaccine or had an allergic reaction after receiving a dose of Gardasil or Gardasil 9 is not suitable for the vaccine.
The vaccine is also not recommended for pregnant women.
How Is The HPV Vaccination Done?
The HPV vaccine is given in 3 doses.
The first dose is given on your first visit
the second dose is given 2 months later
and the last dose is given 6 months after the first dose.
The first dose is given on your first visit
the second dose is given 2 months later
and the last dose is given 6 months after the first dose.
Younger people between the age of 9 to 14 years old only require 2 doses, given 6 months apart.
What Does The HPV Vaccination Prevent?
The HPV Vaccine prevents HPV related cancers by more than 90%.
HPV related cancers include:
- Cervical Cancer
- Vaginal Cancer
- Vulva Cancer
- Penile Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Throat Cancer
- Genital Warts
How Can I Prepare For The HPV Vaccination?
It is important to inform your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Previous allergic reaction to the vaccine
- Bleeding disorder that makes you unsuitable for vaccinations
- Currently pregnant
- Penile Cancer
- Planning to get pregnant
- Currently having a fever or unwell
- Taking any other concurrent medications
- Have a weakened immune system due to any genetic defect, illness such as HIV or if you take medication that weakens your immune system
Are There Any Side Effects Of The HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is overall an extremely safe vaccination.
Common mild side effects experienced after the vaccine include mild and temporary pain, swelling or bruising over the injection site.
The most common side effect is usually slight muscle soreness over the arm where the injection was administered.
These effects usually wear off on their own after a few days.
Why Should I Choose Gardasil 9?
Gardasil 9 is the newest HPV vaccine available that has the most protection and is the most effective in risk reduction of cancer and HPV related diseases.
There are more than 100 Human Papillomavirus types. While Gardasil 9 cannot protect you against all types of HPV (none of the vaccines can), they target the 9 highest risk strains of HPV – Type 6,11, 16,18, 31,33,45,52 and 58.
These HPV strains are responsible for 95% of cervical cancer and 90% of genital warts.
What Should I Do After Receiving The HPV Vaccination?
While the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other associated cancers, this does not mean your risk becomes zero.
It is still important for all sexually active women to get your regular PAP smear and HPV testing done, even if you have received your HPV vaccines.
It is also important to understand that the HPV vaccine is meant for protection and prevention of HPV infections, and it is NOT meant as a treatment method.
If you suspect that you are experiencing any possible HPV infection or are at risk, do contact your doctor to get checked as soon as possible!
AUTHOR
Dr Michelle Chia
Medical Director
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Dr Michelle's journey allowed her to train in Women's Health and Aesthetic Medicine. Her experience has led her to be featured on multiple media platforms including Radio Stations and prominent Magazines like Her World, Women's Weekly and CLEO. Her work has also received recognition both locally and internationally in several Medical Conferences.
Ezra Clinic is a Women’s Health, Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic that is conveniently located at the top floor of Royal Square Medical Suites in Novena, Singapore’s Medical Health Hub.
Helmed by Dr Michelle Chia, Ezra Clinic is your chosen one stop clinic for all your Women’s Health and Wellness needs.
Address
101 Irrawaddy Road #21-09, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565