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HPV Vaccine in Singapore

The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus types that cause cervical and other cancers, as well as genital warts. It is one of the very few vaccines that prevents cancer — and it works best when given before exposure to the virus.

Book your HPV vaccine Cost & subsidies
9–26Nationally recommended (females)
2 vaccinesCervarix & Gardasil 9
FreeFor Sec 1 girls, in school
AccessibleClinics across Singapore
A vial of HPV vaccine with a syringe and alcohol swab
The virus

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity — vaginal, anal or oral. It affects people of any gender or sexual orientation, and most people who are sexually active will encounter it at some point.

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own within one to two years. The problem is the minority that persist. High-risk types can slowly cause cancer; low-risk types cause genital warts.

HPV types 16 and 18 alone cause around 70% of cervical cancers. Types 6 and 11 cause around 90% of genital warts.

What HPV can cause

  • Cervical cancer — and precancerous cervical changes
  • Vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers
  • Penile cancer
  • Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
  • Genital warts
The vaccine

What is the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine teaches your immune system to recognise and block specific HPV types before they can establish an infection. It's given as an injection into the upper arm.

It is preventive, not a treatment. It cannot clear an HPV infection you already have — which is why it works best when given before any exposure to the virus, ideally before becoming sexually active.

HPV vaccination has been part of Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule since 2010, and the National Adult Immunisation Schedule since 2017.

Why get vaccinated

  • One of the few vaccines that prevents cancer
  • Protects against cervical and other HPV-related cancers
  • Prevents genital warts (Gardasil 9)
  • Long-term protection — no booster currently needed
  • Free or subsidised for many Singaporeans
Your options

Cervarix vs Gardasil 9

Two HPV vaccines are approved in Singapore. They differ in how many types they cover, who they're for, and whether they're subsidised.

 Cervarix (HPV2)Gardasil 9 (HPV9)
HPV types covered2 — types 16 and 189 — types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, plus 6 and 11
Protects againstAround 70% of cervical cancersMore cancer-causing types, plus around 90% of genital warts
Who it's forFemalesFemales and males
Government subsidyYes, for eligible Singaporean femalesNo — self-funded
School programmeYes — the vaccine used for Secondary 1 girlsNot used in the school programme

Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →

Gardasil 9 has replaced the older Gardasil 4, which is no longer available in Singapore. Our doctors will help you weigh broader protection against cost.

Is it for you?

Who should get the HPV vaccine?

HPV vaccination is nationally recommended for females aged 9 to 26, and available to males who wish to be protected.

  • Girls and young women aged 9 to 26 — nationally recommended
  • Secondary 1 female students — free, through the school programme
  • Boys and men — not in the national schedule, but licensed and available
  • Adults up to age 45, after discussion with your doctor
  • Anyone not previously vaccinated against HPV
  • Ideally before becoming sexually active — but still of benefit afterwards
Schedule

HPV vaccine dose & schedule

The number of doses depends on how old you are when you start.

Ages 9 to 14Two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. Starting young means fewer injections and a stronger immune response.
Ages 15 and aboveThree doses over six months — the second about 2 months after the first, and the third about 4 months after the second.
If immunocompromisedThree doses, regardless of age.
BoostersNone currently recommended. Protection is long-term once the course is complete.
Important

You still need cervical screening

The HPV vaccine is powerful, but it isn't a substitute for screening.

No HPV vaccine covers every cancer-causing type. Vaccination greatly reduces your risk of cervical cancer, but it does not remove it — so regular cervical screening remains essential, even if you've completed your HPV vaccine course.

Screening looks for the early changes that come before cancer, when they are easily treated. Read more about our cervical and other cancer screening.

Cervical screening in Singapore

  • Women 25–29: Pap test every 3 years
  • Women 30–69: HPV test every 5 years
  • For those who have ever been sexually active
  • Subsidised under Screen for Life
Safety

HPV vaccine side effects & precautions

The HPV vaccine has been given to hundreds of millions of people worldwide and has a strong safety record.

Common & mild

  • Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or feeling faint shortly after the jab
  • These are temporary and settle on their own
  • Avoid strenuous activity for a few hours afterwards

Tell your doctor if you

  • Are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
  • Are unwell or have a fever today
  • Are allergic to the vaccine or any of its ingredients
  • Have a bleeding disorder
  • Have a weakened immune system, or take high-dose steroids
  • Take any other medications

Seek help promptly for severe reactions

Severe allergic reactions are rare. Get medical attention immediately if you develop swelling of the face, eyes, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread itchy rash after vaccination.

Cost

HPV vaccine cost & subsidies in Singapore

HPV vaccination is free for many young Singaporean females, and subsidised for others.

Secondary 1 girls

Fully subsidised through HPB's school-based programme. Those who missed it can still be vaccinated free at HPB's Student Health Centre.

Females aged 17 and below

Free HPV vaccination (Cervarix) at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics, under the NCIS.

Women aged 18–26

Subsidised at CHAS GP clinics for Singaporean women with a valid CHAS Orange or Blue card.

MediSave

Up to $500 per MediSave account per year. You may use your own, or an immediate family member's, such as a parent's or spouse's.

Government subsidies apply to Cervarix. Gardasil 9 offers broader protection but is self-funded. Contact us for current pricing on both.

 Ask about HPV vaccine pricing
What to expect

Getting your HPV vaccine

A short visit, and protection that lasts.

1. Quick review

We discuss which vaccine suits you, your age and your eligibility for subsidies.

2. Your first dose

A quick injection into the upper arm, over in seconds.

3. Complete the course

Two or three doses depending on your age. We'll remind you when each is due.

4. Recorded for you

Logged to the National Immunisation Registry and your HealthHub record.

Good to know

HPV vaccine FAQs

Is the HPV vaccine free in Singapore?
For some people, yes. HPV vaccination is fully subsidised for all female Secondary 1 students through the Health Promotion Board's school-based programme, and free for Singaporean females aged 17 and below at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics. Singaporean women aged 18 to 26 with a CHAS Orange or Blue card can receive subsidised vaccination. These subsidies apply to Cervarix; Gardasil 9 is not government-subsidised.
Which HPV vaccine is used in the school programme?
Cervarix (HPV2) is the vaccine used in Singapore's national school-based HPV vaccination programme, which has been offered to Secondary 1 female students since April 2019. It protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause around 70% of cervical cancers.
What's the difference between Cervarix and Gardasil 9?
Cervarix (HPV2) protects against two high-risk types, HPV 16 and 18. Gardasil 9 (HPV9) protects against nine types — 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 (cancer-causing) plus 6 and 11 (which cause around 90% of genital warts). Cervarix is government-subsidised for eligible Singaporean females; Gardasil 9 offers broader protection, is suitable for males and females, and is self-funded.
Can men and boys get the HPV vaccine?
Yes. HPV vaccination is not part of Singapore's national schedule for males, but Gardasil 9 is licensed and available for boys and men who wish to be protected. HPV causes anal, penile and oropharyngeal (throat) cancers as well as genital warts in men, and vaccinating males also reduces transmission.
How many doses of the HPV vaccine do I need?
It depends on your age when you start. Those aged 9 to 14 need two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart. Those aged 15 and above need three doses over six months. People who are immunocompromised need three doses regardless of age.
Up to what age can I get the HPV vaccine?
It's nationally recommended for females aged 9 to 26. Gardasil 9 is licensed up to age 45, so catch-up vaccination is possible for older adults after a discussion with your doctor. It works best before exposure to HPV, so benefit decreases with age.
Is it still worth getting the HPV vaccine if I'm already sexually active?
Often, yes. It's unlikely you've been exposed to every HPV type the vaccine covers, so you may still gain protection against the types you haven't encountered. Speak to our doctors about whether it makes sense for you.
Does the HPV vaccine treat an existing HPV infection?
No. The HPV vaccine is preventive, not a treatment. It cannot clear an infection you already have. Most HPV infections clear on their own within one to two years; persistent high-risk infections are what can lead to cancer, which is why screening matters.
Do I still need a Pap smear or HPV test after being vaccinated?
Yes, absolutely. No HPV vaccine covers every cancer-causing type, so regular cervical screening remains essential. Women aged 25 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years, and women aged 30 to 69 an HPV test every five years.
Can I use MediSave for the HPV vaccine?
Yes. Singaporeans can use up to $500 per MediSave account per year towards HPV vaccination, and can draw on their own or an immediate family member's MediSave, such as a parent's or spouse's.
Is the HPV vaccine compulsory in Singapore?
No. Only diphtheria and measles vaccination are legally required. HPV vaccination is strongly recommended for females aged 9 to 26, and optional but available for males.
Do I need a booster dose?
No. The HPV vaccine provides long-term protection, and there is currently no recommendation for booster doses once the course is complete.
Is Gardasil 4 still available?
No. Gardasil 9 has replaced the older quadrivalent Gardasil 4 in Singapore, offering protection against five additional cancer-causing HPV types.
What are the side effects of the HPV vaccine?
Most people have only mild effects: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, or feeling dizzy or faint shortly after the jab. These are temporary. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Who should be cautious about the HPV vaccine?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are unwell or have a fever today, are allergic to any vaccine ingredient, have a bleeding disorder, have a weakened immune system, or take medicines that suppress immunity such as high-dose steroids.
How do I check whether I've had the HPV vaccine?
Your vaccination records are held in the National Immunisation Registry and appear in your HealthHub record. If you're unsure, our doctors can help you check.
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A vaccine that prevents cancer

Book your HPV vaccine at any of our clinics. We'll help you choose between Cervarix and Gardasil 9, and check what subsidies you qualify for.

Book your HPV vaccine

Sources

The requirements and recommendations on this page are drawn from official Singapore government sources:

This page is general information, not medical advice, and requirements can change. Always confirm the current position with the relevant Singapore government agency, or speak to our doctors about your own circumstances.