Why the HPV vaccine matters

You may have heard of HPV – short for Human Papillomavirus – but what does it actually mean for your child’s health?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses that can affect different areas of the body, including the skin, throat, and genitals. It’s one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world, often spreading through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.

While many people with HPV won’t even know they have it – since it often shows no symptoms – some types of the virus can cause genital warts, while others can lead to serious health concerns, including cervical, vulva, penile, and anal cancers. The high-risk strains most commonly linked to cancer are HPV types 16 and 18, while types 6 and 11 are usually behind most cases of genital warts.

Why vaccination matters

There’s no cure for the virus itself, but the good news is that HPV infections often clear up on their own. However, in some cases, the virus lingers and causes long-term complications. That’s why vaccination is highly recommended, before exposure occurs.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active. In Singapore and many other countries, it’s offered to children aged 9 – 13 years old, often as part of national immunisation programmes. The vaccine is approved for both girls and boys, and can be given up to age 45.

HPV vaccines in Singapore

There are two types of HPV vaccines available locally:

• HPV2: Protects against types 16 – 18. Available for females only and part of Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), given to girls aged 9 – 26
• HPV9: Covers nine high-risk strains, including 16 and 18. This vaccine is licensed for both females and males aged 9 – 45 and is available at private clinics such as International Medical Clinic

Currently, the national programme only covers girls, but many countries now include boys due to the risks HPV poses to all genders. Globally, health organisations encourage gender-neutral vaccination to reduce cancer risk across the board

“In Singapore, the HPV vaccine is offered to children aged 9 – 13 years old”

Safety, side effects & myths

The HPV vaccine has been used safely worldwide since 2006, with over 270 million doses given globally. It is an inactivated vaccine, which means it cannot give you HPV. Mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site or a slight fever are normal and typically go away within 48 hours. Vaccination schedules in Singapore are as follows:

• Ages 9 – 14: Two doses, six months apart
• Ages 15 and above: Three doses over six months

No boosters are currently needed and protection is considered lifelong.

Addressing common concerns

Some parents worry that giving the vaccine at a young age might encourage early sexual activity or impact fertility. However, extensive research over 20+ years has found no link between HPV vaccination and earlier sexual behaviour or long-term health issues. In fact, the vaccine does not affect fertility, and studies show that vaccinated teens are no more likely to become sexually active early than those who aren’t.
The HPV vaccine is one of the few tools we have to prevent certain types of cancer later in life. If your child is approaching the recommended age, speak to your family doctor or a GP/Paediatrician at International Medical Clinic about whether HPV vaccination is right for them. It’s a small step that can make a big impact on their future health.

Dr. Hina Kadwani is a General Practitioner at International Medical Clinic, Holland Village. Her special interest areas are women’s health, chronic disease prevention, adolescent care, and child health.

To book a consultation with Dr. Hina, schedule an appointment via the IMC Health app, call +65 6733 4440, email [email protected], or visit imc-healthcare.com