The only vaccine available in Singapore to help prevent a form of STI is the Cervical cancer vaccine. It protects you from certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which can be transmitted sexually. Most HPV strains do not cause any symptoms and go away on their own.
However, there are certain strains that cause cervical cancer in women. Besides that, certain strains can also cause less common cancers in both men and women such as cancer of the anus, penis, vagina or vulva and oropharynx. Moreover, some strains can cause warts in the genital area of men and women.
It is important to note that the vaccines are designed to only cover certain strains (not all) which cause cancers and warts. There are different versions of this vaccine with the latest called Gardasil 9 which protects you from 9 different strains of HPV. The other versions are called Gardasil 4 which protects you against 4 different strains and Cevarix which only protects you against 2 strains.
In Singapore, females aged 9 to 26-year-old can use their Medisave to subsidise the Cevarix and Gardasil 4 vaccinations. Although these vaccines were approved for males and females between the ages of 9 and 26, patients older than 26 may still consider getting it but it is best to discuss this with the doctor to find out if you are suitable for it.
