Encouraging Women to Obtain HPV Vaccinations to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Health (a) whether he can provide an update on (i) efforts to encourage women to obtain HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccinations which can prevent cervical and other forms of cancer (ii) the take-up rate for the vaccine; and (b) whether the Ministry will consider more subsidies and awareness-raising efforts to promote the take-up of such vaccinations.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a cause of cervical cancer. Infection from HPV serotypes 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancer cases, can be prevented through vaccination.

HPV vaccination for females aged nine to 26 years has been recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule since November 2010. Singaporeans can use their Medisave for HPV vaccination. Based on information from Medisave claims, about one in four Singapore female residents aged 26 years in 2016 have been vaccinated.

MOH and HPB have been stepping up on public education efforts, such as making HPV-related information more readily available to the public through the HealthHub website and social media platforms. This has to be done sensitively, as HPV is a sexually-transmitted infection. Parents are also encouraged to discuss HPV vaccination with their family doctors, so that they can make an informed decision to vaccinate their daughters.