Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus. Of the many different types of Human Papillomavirus, some are harmless and others can cause diseases of the genital areas. While most people clear the virus, those who do not can develop cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts.

Gardasil 4 is a vaccine (injection) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and Gardasil 9 is a vaccine (injection) that helps protect against the following diseases caused by HPV Types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58:

• Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower end of the uterus or womb)

• Cervical abnormal and precancerous lesions (changes in cells of the cervix which have a risk of turning into cancer) as found by a Pap test

• Genital warts

• Vulvar precancerous lesions (the outside of the female genitals) cancers

• HPV infection

In Singapore, Cervarix, Gardasil 4 and Gardasil 9  are the three approved vaccines for HPV vaccination. The DSC Clinic now offers Gardasil 4 or Gardasil 9 vaccinations to all young girls aged 9 to 17 years old and women aged 18 to 26 years old.

The  Cervarix vaccination protects against HPV types 16 / 18.

The Gardasil 4 vaccination provides protection against HPV types 6 / 11 / 16 / 18.

The Gardasil 9 vaccination provides protection against HPV types 6  / 11 / 16 / 18 / 31 / 33 / 45 / 52 / 58.            

(The Gardasil 9 vaccination is available)

The HPV vaccine works best before the girl has sex. If you ever have sex, you may still choose to be vaccinated but you will not be protected from the types of human papillomavirus you have already been exposed to. If you are unsure if you or your child is suitable for the vaccination, always check with your doctor.

Gardasil is given as an injection. You will receive 3 doses of the vaccines in the following interval:

You are strongly recommended to complete all three doses to get the full benefits of Gardasil 4 or Gardasil 9.    If you miss a dose, your doctor or health care provider will advise and decide when you can receive your missed dose.

Why is vaccination with Gardasil important?

In the absence of vaccination, it is estimated that the majority of sexually active people will get infected by the Human Papillomavirus during their lifetime. A male or female of any age, who takes part in any types of sexual activities that involve genital contact is at risk. The only way to fully protect yourself from Human Papillomavirus is to avoid sexual activities. Many people who have Human Papillomavirus many not show any signs or symptoms. This means that they can transmit (pass on) the virus to others without knowing it.

Who should get vaccinated?

Young girls 9 through 17 years of age and women 18 through 26 years of age can receive Gardasil 4 or Gardasil 9. The Quadrivalent or Ninevalent vaccine works best when given before a person has any contact with certain types of Human Papillomavirus. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor to find out if the vaccine is right for you or your child.

How is Gardasil 4 or Gardasil 9 given?

Gardasil 4 or Gardasil 9 is given as an injection.
You or your child will receive 3 doses of the vaccine. The doses are given as follows:

• First dose: at a date you and your doctor or healthcare provider choose

• Second dose: 2 months after the first dose

• Third dose: 6 months after the first dose

Make sure that you or your child gets all 3 doses. This allows you or your child to get the full benefits of Gardasil. If you or your child misses a dose, your doctor or health-care provider will decide when to give the missed dose.

Hepatitis B is a serious and most common liver infection caused by Hepatitis B virus.

Who should get vaccinated?

If you do not have antibodies from a previous infection and if you are not a Hepatitis B carrier, you can get vaccinated against Hepatitis B and protect yourself from its complications. If you are unsure if you can be vaccinated against Hepatitis B, always check with your doctor.

You have to complete all 3 doses of the vaccine.

• First dose: at the date you and your doctor or healthcare provider choose

• Second dose:1 month after the first dose

• Third dose: 5 months after the second dose

If you miss a dose, seek advise from your doctor or healthcare provider on an appropriate time to receive your missed dose.

The DSC Clinic offers the Gardasil 4, Gardasil 9 and Hepatitis B vaccinations. Click here for their charges. ​