Forum: Women should know that even without subsidies, HPV vaccine is accessible and beneficial

I’m an entrepreneur in the sexual wellness industry in my early 30s. I first heard about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in my 20s, when I received a government letter about subsidies available up to age 26.

At the time, I didn’t think much of it as none of my peers was talking about it, and I had little education on the topic. Looking back, I wish someone had explained how important it was to get vaccinated when I was younger, when it’s most effective.

The Ministry of Health recently clarified that studies have shown the HPV vaccine is less beneficial for women aged 27 to 45, which is why it isn’t subsidised for this age group (Studies show HPV vaccine less beneficial for females aged 27 to 45, April 10).

However, this shouldn’t overshadow the fact that many women in their late 20s to early 40s – who missed out on school-based programmes – can still benefit significantly. This “lost generation” deserves more education and outreach. As the saying goes, better late than never.

HPV is a complex virus with many strains, and studies have shown that the majority of adult women have not been exposed to all nine vaccine-covered HPV types.

Thus, the vaccine can still offer protection against strains they haven’t encountered. 

Moreover, it takes an average of 10 to 20 years for cervical cancer to develop after an HPV infection. In Singapore, the peak incidence of cervical cancer occurs in women aged 45 to 54. 

That makes the late 20s to 40s a critical window for intervention, yet this group is often the least engaged in screening and unaware of vaccine benefits. Many women realise the risks only after a health scare, when preventive measures may be too late.

Therefore, women in Singapore must know that even without government subsidies, the vaccine is still accessible and beneficial.

Let’s ensure all women know how to protect their health, regardless of age.

Meryl Lim Kaixian