Human Papillomavirus in the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule

NOTICE PAPER NO. 2341 
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 7 NOVEMBER 2023

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Leong Mun Wai
Non-Constituency MP

Question No. 5136

To ask the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider including a recommendation for teenage boys to be vaccinated by choice against the Human Papillomavirus in the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, in line with recommendations by other health authorities in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia; and (b) if not, why.

Answer

1     The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is nationally recommended for females aged 9 to 26 years, as MOH has assessed that this is a clinically effective and cost-effective strategy for preventing cervical cancer.  

2     On the other hand, males do not get cervical cancer. While HPV vaccination also confers protection against HPV-related anal cancer, the incidence amongst males is about ten times lower than cervical cancer amongst females. As such, HPV vaccination of males does not provide the same level of benefit as for females, nor is it likely to be cost-effective at the population level. Nevertheless, males who feel that they are at high risk of getting HPV may choose to go for HPV vaccination at a GP clinic.

3     MOH will continue to monitor for new developments and review our policy on HPV vaccination where necessary.