Singapore to roll out nine-strain HPV vaccine from January 2027

Singapore's Health Ministry has announced plans to add the HPV9 vaccine, commonly known as Gardasil 9, to the national childhood immunisation schedule beginning January 2027. The move represents a significant upgrade from the current HPV2 vaccine programme, expanding the range of human papillomavirus strains covered by vaccination.

The HPV9 vaccine protects against nine strains of the virus, compared to two strains covered by the existing HPV2 vaccine. This broader coverage enhances preventive measures against cervical cancer and other HPV-related malignancies, health authorities said.

Eligible Singaporean children will receive the vaccine at no cost under the subsidised national programme. The full immunisation schedule and implementation details are expected to be released ahead of the January 2027 rollout date.

The introduction of HPV9 aligns Singapore's immunisation strategy with global best practices in cervical cancer prevention. Health officials have consistently emphasised the importance of HPV vaccination in reducing the incidence of cervical and related cancers among the population.