What you need to know about the human papilloma virus
What is human papilloma virus (HPV)?
HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are about 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body and about 30 types of HPV can affect the genitals.
How are they transmitted?
They are transmitted by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.
How dangerous is HPV?
There are cancer-causing( high risk) and non-cancer( low risk) causing HPV strains.
“High risk” strains can infect the genitals of both genders – the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum , as well as the rectum and anus and lead to precancerous or cancerous changes. HPV types 16 and 18 account for about 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
“Low risk” types of HPV are primarily responsible for genital warts in male and females.”
How do I know if I have HPV?
Most people with HPV do not know they have it. Some find out they have HPV when they get genital warts. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening). Others may only find out once they have developed more serious problems from HPV, such as cancers. In Singapore, HPV tests are recommended as a means of cervical cancer screening in sexually active women aged 30 years and older.
HPV Schedule
3 doses of HPV vaccination at 0, 2 and 6 months.
| Vaccines Available | Protects Against HPV Types | Recommended Gender (Aged 9 to 26 Years Old) |
|---|---|---|
Cervarix*(Bivalent) *Medisave claimable for females | 16, 18
| Female |
Gardasil*(Quadrivalent) *Medisave claimable for females | 6, 11, 16, 18
| Male, Female |
Gardasil-9(9-valent) Non- Medisave claimable | 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58
| Male, Female |
PRECAUTIONS
- Not recommended for those who had an allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component in the vaccine
- Vaccination should be avoided in pregnant women
- HPV vaccination is not a substitute for routine cervical cancer screening
