HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9 and Cervarix) is officially certified to be given to girls and ladies between 9-26 years old in Singapore so seeing that you are 22 years old, you are definitely eligible to be vaccinated. In other countries (like Europe, Canada, Australia for example), the age limit is up to 45 years old so even if you are beyond 26 years old in Singapore, it is still safe and effective to be vaccinated. As HPV infections occur in women who are sexually active, the general advice is for HPV vaccination to given to all women as long as they not pregnant (as there are no safety studies on pregnant women) or do not have cervical cancer yet (as it is too late). After you have completed all 3 vaccine injections, you are then immune and the immunity is for life so there is no need for booster vaccinations anymore.
Question
How do I know if I am still eligible to take HPV vaccination and how long does it last for?
Doctor's Answers 1
Similar Questions
Can one be fully protected against HPV with a vaccine?
No. There are more than 100 different strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Some of them are known to cause Genital Warts, which is an STI, whereas others are linked to skin warts on the feet, fingers etc, but are not STI. HPV that causes genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual exposure (vaginal, anal and oral) or even heavy petting. The transmission occurs when warts are present but is also possible even when there are no visible signs. There are individuals who carry the virus for months and years but do not show signs.
What is cervical cancer and how common is it in Singapore?
Cervical cancer is among the top 10 cancers that affect women in Singapore today. Cervical cancer is cancer that affects the part of the reproductive system. The cervix is the door to the womb, it sits between your vagina and uterus, the cervix is a part of the host of pregnancy. So, when the woman gives birth, the cervix has to violate fully before the baby comes out. So, the part of the uterus, the womb, can get a specific cancer.
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