Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women across the globe. Not only are 500,000 new cases diagnosed yearly, 250,000 of those affected succumb to the illness. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to infection with the Human Papilomavirus (HPV).
What makes cervical cancer particularly deadly is that it often presents without symptoms or mild symptoms that are easily dismissed by those experiencing them. Persistent infection by HPV can not only lead to cervical cancer, it can also result in anal, vulval, vaginal and oral cancer as well as genital warts.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable – if you are between 9 and 26 years, vaccinate yourself against HPV now.
Clari Health offers tailored packages for individuals looking to protect themselves against HPV.
Get vaccinated against HPV today! Make an appointment with us by calling 4255208869, booking online on this page or sending us an e-mail at George.oliver@clarihealth.com.
# A one-time consultation fee of $80 is applicable to the prices stated above
# Package prices are inclusive of GST
At Clari Health, we offer 3 varieties of HPV vaccines, all of which have been approved for use in Singapore:
Cervarix
Cervarix protects you against HPV types 16 and 18, the two types which account for 70% of all cases of cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 are also the two types which most frequently cause genital, head and neck cancers. This means that Cervarix essentially offers women the most basic protection by protecting them against the more common and problematic types of HPV. Cervarix offers lifetime protection against HPV types 16 and 18.
The vaccine is recommended in females aged between 9 and 26 years. For those between 9 and 14 years, a 2-dose schedule, where the second dose is administered 6 months after the first, is recommended. For those who receive their first dose at 15 years and above, a 3-dose schedule is recommended at 0, 2 and 6 months.
Gardasil 4
Gardasil 4 protects you against 4 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16 and 18. These four types are the types of HPV that result most commonly in cervical, anal and vulval cancer, as well as genital warts and other complications. It offers a broader spectrum of protection that Cervarix since sexually active females are more likely to encounter a range of HPV types rather than just the two that Cervarix protects you against. Gardasil 4 offers lifetime protection against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and.
The vaccine is recommended in females aged between 9 and 26 years. For those between 9 and 14 years, a 2-dose schedule, where the second dose is administered 6 months after the first, is recommended. For those who receive their first dose at 15 years and above, a 3-dose schedule is recommended at 0, 2 and 6 months.
Gardasil 9
Gardasil 9 is the HPV vaccine with the highest coverage and the vaccine which offers the most comprehensive protection against the virus. It protects against HPV types 6,11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58. It covers all the types that Cervarix and Gardasil 4 do and then some. Since high-risk HPV types include types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58, Gardasil 9 offers more comprehensive protection against the disease. There is no noted increase in side effects or adverse reactions with the increased protection, so Gardasil 9 may be a better choice for those looking to be protected against a wider spectrum of HPV strains.
Moreover, it is likely that one will encounter a wide range of HPV strains in her life if she is sexually active and a vaccine that protects against nine strains (Gardasil 9) will give you more assurance that you are protected from HPV.
| Gardasil 4 | Gardasil 9 | |
| Which types of HPV does it protect against? | 4 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16 & 18 | 9 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 |
| Whom is it recommended for? | Females between the ages of 9 and 26 | Females between the ages of 9 and 26
Females between the ages of 27 and 45 |
| How many doses are required? | Females who received their first dose between 9 and 14 years – 2 doses (0 and 6 months) | Females who received their first dose between 9 and 14 years – 2 doses (0 and 6 months) |
| Females who received their first dose between 15 and 26 years – 3 doses (0, 2 and 6 months) | Females who received their first dose between 15 and 45 years – 3 doses (0, 2 and 6 months) | |
| Can Medisave be used to pay for the vaccine? | Yes, if you are a female aged between 9 and 26 | No |
| How long does it protect you for? | For a lifetime against the 4 specified strains | For a lifetime against the 9 specified strains |
You are strongly advised to stick to the vaccine schedule and avoid missing any doses or receiving any doses late – this will ensure the vaccine is effective in protecting you against HPV.
Why protect yourself against HPV?
The CDC estimates that 8 out of 10 people contract HPV at some point in their life.
HPV types/strains 16, 18 and 45 are the most common causes of cervical cancer in women. Other high-risk types include HPV 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.
What are the recommendations by MOH for HPV vaccination?
The CDC (MOH) recommends that females between the ages of 9 and 26 get vaccinated against HPV. Medisave can be used to make payment for certain types of HPV vaccines as well.
Am I suitable for the HPV vaccine if I am sexually active?
Ideally and to guarantee maximum protection against the virus, you should receive the HPV vaccine before you become sexually active. However, even if you are already sexually active, you are strongly advised to get vaccinated anyway.
Although you will not be protected from the types of HPV that you have already been exposed to, you will be protected from any types of HPV that you may come into contact with henceforth. Since there are numerous strains of HPV that can cause disease, the protection is worthwhile.
If you require clarification on your suitability for the HPV vaccine, give us a call now at 4255208869 or send us an e-mail at George.oliver@clarihealth.com
