Human papillomavirus (HPV) gets passed from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact with an infected part of the body — and it can only spread through sexual contact, which means you cannot get HPV from toilet seats, swimming pools, or sharing food. In fact, it is so common that almost everyone who is not vaccinated will get HPV at some time in their lives.
In order to combat that, HPV vaccine protects both men and women against cancers caused by high-risk HPV infections, such as:
1. Cervical cancer – virtually all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV;
2. Anal cancer – about 95% of anal cancers are caused by HPV; and
3. Oropharyngeal cancers i.e. cancers of the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, the base of the tongue, and the tonsils; about 70% are caused by HPV.
In light of the rise of HPV cases in Malaysia, the government is now giving out FREE HPV vaccination to all Malaysian women who are still not married, at any Klinik Nur Sejahtera LPPKN nationwide. This is such good news because the usual cost of HPV vaccination can reach up to RM700 in private clinics.
The catch?
- You must be born between 1991 and 1996,
- Not married / has never been married before
- Not pregnant nor have severe allergies or serious diseases that require immediate medical attention
- Malaysian citizens or a permanent residents of Malaysia
Don’t worry, for the married or single ladies who are born before 1991, you can still get vaccinated at RM540 for the entire course of vaccines (approx. RM200 cheaper than in private clinics).
However, the free vaccines are only allocated for 27,000 women on a first come, first served basis. So better hurry while stock lasts! Please contact your nearest Klinik Nur Sejahtera for more info.
Important things to note:
- You may be required to pay RM15 for a quick medical check-up at the clinic.
- You will receive three shots of the HPV vaccine within a span of six months (i.e. the first and second shot will be a month apart from each other, while the third and last shot is to be received half a year after the first.)
- You should receive an appointment card indicating the date you should receive your subsequent shots.
- You should not get pregnant within a year after receiving the vaccination.
- The vaccination service is only available on certain days within a certain timeframe which may differ between branches.
