HPV Vaccination in Singapore: Who Should Get It, the National Programme & Cost

Written by BestDoctors.sg Editorial Team · Last updated November 2026

Intricate network of blood vessels and arteries

Written & reviewed by the BestDoctors.sg editorial team · Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · General information, not medical advice

Quick answer. The HPV vaccine protects against the human papillomavirus types responsible for most cervical (and other) cancers and genital warts. In Singapore, it is offered free to eligible Secondary 1 girls (Singapore Citizens) through the national school-based programme using Cervarix, while the broader-coverage Gardasil 9 (9-valent) is available privately, typically around S$250 per dose. It is best given before sexual debut, recommended for females aged 9 to 26 (and can be discussed up to 45), with 2 doses if started before age 15 or 3 doses if older. Cervarix is MediSave-claimable with CHAS/polyclinic subsidies, but vaccination does not replace regular cervical screening.

Have a women’s-health or menstrual concern to talk through?

Message our care team on WhatsApp. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find the right best gynaecology clinic — free, with no obligation.

Chat with our care team on WhatsApp

Not sure who to see? Find the right specialist →

In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus, and certain high-risk types cause the great majority of cervical cancers along with some other cancers and genital warts. Vaccination, ideally before any exposure to the virus, is one of the most effective ways to lower this risk. This guide explains what protection the HPV vaccine offers, which vaccines are available in Singapore, the free national school-based programme, who should be vaccinated, dosing, and what it typically costs.

At a glance

HPV vaccination pathways, coverage and typical cost in Singapore (2026). Costs vary by clinic, subsidy and MediSave eligibility – confirm before booking.
Vaccine / pathway	Who / coverage	Typical cost
National school-based programme (Cervarix)	Eligible Secondary 1 girls (Singapore Citizens); types 16 & 18 (~70% of cervical cancers)	Free (fully subsidised, given in school)
Catch-up, age 17 and below (Cervarix)	Singaporean females; National Childhood Immunisation Schedule	Free at CHAS GP clinics, polyclinics & HPB Student Health Centre
Cervarix at CHAS GP clinic, age 18-26	Means-tested subsidies; MediSave-claimable	~S$23/dose (Orange/Blue CHAS); ~S$45/dose (Green/non-CHAS)
Cervarix at polyclinic	Eligible SCs and PRs; MediSave-claimable	Subsidised; MediSave can offset co-payment
Gardasil 9 (9-valent), private	Females & males aged 9-45; ~90% of high-risk types + warts (6/11)	~S$250-S$300 per dose (~S$720-S$790 for 3 doses)

What HPV is and how the vaccine protects you

HPV is a common virus that can infect many parts of the body in both males and females. There are over 100 types; about 40 can infect the genital area. High-risk (cancer-causing) types 16 and 18 account for roughly 70% of cervical cancers, and HPV is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat, as well as genital warts (commonly caused by types 6 and 11).

The HPV vaccine teaches the immune system to fight off these viral types before infection occurs. Because protection is strongest when given before any exposure to HPV, the vaccine works best when administered before sexual debut. It does not treat existing HPV infection or cancers, which is why timing and ongoing screening both matter.

Vaccines available in Singapore: Cervarix vs Gardasil 9

Two HPV vaccines are approved in Singapore:

Cervarix (2-valent / HPV2): Protects against HPV types 16 and 18 (the cause of about 70% of cervical cancers). Approved for females aged 9 to 25. This is the vaccine used in the national school-based programme and is MediSave-claimable.
Gardasil 9 (9-valent / HPV9): Protects against types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 – covering additional cancer-causing types plus the types causing most genital warts. Approved for females and males aged 9 to 45. It offers broader protection but is available privately and is not subsidised or MediSave-claimable.

Cervarix protects against around 70% of high-risk HPV types; Gardasil 9 extends coverage to roughly 90%.

The national school-based HPV vaccination programme

Since 2019, the Ministry of Health and Health Promotion Board (HPB) have offered fully subsidised (free) HPV vaccination to all eligible Secondary 1 female students (Singapore Citizens, typically aged 12 to 13) as part of the school-based health programme. The vaccine used is Cervarix, and it is given in school. The programme has achieved high coverage, with reported vaccine coverage in the region of 90% or more.

Catch-up options exist for those who miss it:

Secondary school-aged females who did not receive or complete vaccination can still get it free at HPB’s Student Health Centre.
Singaporean females aged 17 and below are eligible for free HPV vaccination at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
Those aged 18 to 26 can access means-tested subsidies at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule.

Who should get vaccinated, recommended age and dosing

HPV vaccination is nationally recommended for females aged 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer, and ideally given before sexual debut. Older women who missed earlier vaccination can still discuss it with their doctor, as the vaccines are approved up to age 45.

The number of doses depends on the age at which the course is started:

Ages 9 to 14: 2 doses (typically 5 to 13 months apart).
Ages 15 and above, or those who are immunocompromised: 3 doses over about 6 months.

In Singapore, HPV vaccination is currently part of the national schedule for females only and is not routinely included for males. However, many international guidelines recommend it for boys and men too, and individual males at higher risk may choose to be vaccinated (usually with Gardasil 9) after consulting their doctor.

Cost, MediSave and subsidies

For eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, Cervarix is MediSave-claimable and subsidised at polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics. At CHAS GP clinics, the maximum out-of-pocket cost per dose is around S$23 for Orange and Blue CHAS card holders and around S$45 for Green/non-CHAS card holders, with MediSave able to offset remaining co-payments.

Gardasil 9 is provided privately and is not subsidised or MediSave-claimable. Typical private market rates are around S$250 to S$300 per dose, or roughly S$720 to S$790 for a full 3-dose course, varying by clinic. Always confirm current pricing, your subsidy eligibility and MediSave use directly with the clinic before booking.

Safety and why screening still matters

The HPV vaccines are considered safe and effective. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as pain or redness at the injection site and headache, and usually resolve on their own.

Importantly, vaccination does not replace cervical screening. Because the vaccines protect against most but not all high-risk HPV types, vaccinated women still need regular screening. In Singapore, women aged 25 and above who have ever had sex are advised to go for cervical screening (HPV testing or Pap smear) at the recommended intervals.

Related guides

Sources

Last updated 21 June 2026. Prices are typical market ranges gathered from the cited sources and vary by clinic, doctor and individual case — they are not quotes. This guide is general information, not medical advice; always consult a qualified, MOH-accredited doctor before any treatment.

Related conditions & guides

Related conditions and guides you may find useful:

Part of our Women’s health & gynaecology guides · Browse all health topics

More in Women’s Health & Gynaecology

See all guides in Women’s Health & Gynaecology →

People also search for

Browse all treatment & condition guides →

Frequently asked questions

Is the HPV vaccine free in Singapore?

Yes, for eligible Secondary 1 female Singapore Citizens, Cervarix is offered free in school through the national school-based programme. Free or subsidised Cervarix is also available to Singaporean females aged 17 and below at CHAS GP clinics, polyclinics and HPB's Student Health Centre, with means-tested subsidies for ages 18 to 26. Gardasil 9 is provided privately and is not subsidised.

What is the difference between Cervarix and Gardasil 9?

Cervarix (2-valent) protects against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers, and is the subsidised, MediSave-claimable vaccine used in the national programme. Gardasil 9 (9-valent) protects against nine types covering roughly 90% of cancer-causing HPV plus the types causing most genital warts, but is available privately and is not subsidised or MediSave-claimable.

At what age should you get the HPV vaccine?

It is best given before sexual debut, with vaccination recommended for females from age 9 and nationally recommended up to age 26. Older women can still discuss it with their doctor, as the vaccines are approved up to age 45. If the course is started between ages 9 and 14, only 2 doses are needed; from age 15 or for those who are immunocompromised, 3 doses are recommended.

Can men get the HPV vaccine in Singapore?

HPV vaccination is currently part of the national immunisation schedule for females only in Singapore, so it is not routinely subsidised for males. However, many international guidelines recommend it for boys and men, and individual males who wish to be protected (for example against genital warts and certain cancers) can be vaccinated privately, usually with Gardasil 9, after consulting their doctor.

Does the HPV vaccine mean I no longer need cervical screening?

No. The vaccine protects against most but not all high-risk HPV types, so regular cervical screening is still essential. In Singapore, women aged 25 and above who have ever been sexually active should continue with cervical screening (HPV testing or Pap smear) at the recommended intervals, whether or not they have been vaccinated.

Is it still worth getting the HPV vaccine if I am already sexually active?

Often, yes. The vaccine works best before any exposure to HPV, but most sexually active people have not been infected with every type the vaccine covers, so it can still offer protection against the types you have not met. It does not treat an existing infection or abnormal cells. Whether vaccination is worthwhile for you depends on your age and circumstances, so discuss it with your doctor, and continue cervical screening as recommended either way.

Does the HPV vaccine protect against genital warts?

It depends on the vaccine. Gardasil 9 covers HPV types 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts, as well as seven high-risk types linked to cancer. Cervarix targets the two high-risk types 16 and 18 that cause most cervical cancers, and is not designed to prevent genital warts. If protection against warts matters to you, ask your doctor about Gardasil 9. Neither vaccine treats warts you already have, which need separate treatment by a doctor.

What are the common side effects of the HPV vaccine?

Most side effects are mild and short-lived, such as a sore, red or swollen arm where the injection was given, headache, mild fever, tiredness or nausea. Some people, particularly teenagers, feel faint after injections, so you will usually be asked to sit and wait for a short time after the dose. Serious allergic reactions are very rare, and clinics are equipped to deal with them. Tell the doctor beforehand about any previous severe reaction to a vaccine.

Can I get the HPV vaccine if I am pregnant?

HPV vaccination is not recommended during pregnancy, as a precaution, so the course is usually postponed until after delivery. If you find out you are pregnant after starting the course, the remaining doses are simply delayed until after the pregnancy; there is no need to restart. Receiving a dose before you knew you were pregnant is not considered a reason for concern, but let your doctor know. The vaccine can generally be given while breastfeeding.

What happens if I miss an HPV vaccine dose?

You do not need to start the course again. If a dose is late, simply arrange to have it as soon as possible and continue the schedule from where you left off, as the earlier doses still count. Your doctor will confirm how many doses you still need, which depends on your age when you started. Keep a record of each dose and the vaccine brand, because it is best to complete the course with the same vaccine.