Most Singaporeans have probably received important vaccines via national inoculation programmes, but not all come for free, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) jab for women.
Since cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Singaporean women, it is crucial for them to be protected against it.
Good news for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) cardholders, as they can now get the HPV vaccine for free, courtesy of Temasek Foundation.
The HPV vaccines are available at polyclinics and CHAS general practitioner (GP) clinics.
According to the National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS), cervical cancer was the 10th most common cancer affecting women between 2011-2015.
To protect them against cervical cancer, doctors recommend 3 doses of the HPV vaccine, which women must receive between the ages of 18 and 26.
If a woman receives her first dose before turning 27, she is still eligible to receive 2 final doses before turning 45.
Normally, each dose would cost $23, bringing the total cost of the course to $69.
Hoping to make the vaccine more accessible, Temasek Foundation has offered to cover the costs for women from low-income families.
In a media release on Thursday (10 Feb), they announced that they’ll be funding out-of-pocket expenses for all 3 HPV doses.
Temasek Foundation also revealed that it has committed $2 million to this programme.
Women who wish to benefit from the initiative will have to fulfil the following criteria:
Once they qualify, they can proceed to make an appointment at a polyclinic or CHAS GP.
Since preventable measures like the vaccine are available, more women should have the privilege of getting protection.
Hopefully, this initiative will provide them with just that.
Those who have not made their appointments for their HPV vaccine can do so at participating clinics here.
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Feature image adapted from FRANK MERIÑO on Pexels.
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