HPV9 VACCINE ADDED TO NATIONAL IMMUNISATION SCHEDULES FROM JANUARY 2027

             From 1 January 2027, eligible Singaporean and Permanent Resident females will have access to broader protection against cervical cancer, with the addition of the human papillomavirus 9-valent (HPV9) vaccine to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), and Subsidised Vaccine List (SVL).

2.             HPV vaccination is recommended for females aged 9 to 26 for the prevention of cervical cancer. The HPV9 vaccine, also known as Gardasil 9, will be included in the NCIS and NAIS for females aged 9 to 26. The HPV2 vaccine, also known as Cervarix, will remain on both schedules as an alternative option.

3.             Both the HPV2 and HPV9 vaccines protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of all cervical cancers. The HPV9 vaccine provides broader protection by also covering additional HPV types that account for a further 20% of cervical cancers, bringing its total coverage to approximately 90%.

Updated Recommendations from the Expert Committee on Immunisation

4.             The Expert Committee on Immunisation (ECI) has updated the HPV vaccination recommendations under the NCIS and NAIS, as follows:

a.    Unvaccinated females may start or complete their vaccination series with either the HPV2 or HPV9 vaccine. For females receiving their first dose at age 9 to 14, two doses are recommended. For females receiving their first dose at age 15 to 26, three doses are recommended. If HPV vaccination is initiated but not completed by age 26, the remaining doses may be completed after age 26, as early as possible, but up to age 45.

b.    Females who have started their vaccination series with the HPV2 or HPV4[1] vaccine and who are pending further doses may complete their vaccination series by receiving the HPV9 vaccine. Studies have shown that such mixed HPV vaccination schedules are safe and provide protection against the HPV strains covered by both vaccines.