I went for my first cervical cancer vaccination today! It was something that I had been wanting to do since the vaccine was made widely available last year, but I had been putting it off due to it being a needle.. being too busy… not sure about how it works, and of course, how much it will cost me. However, after my friend turned 25 this year just recently we decided that it's time we do it because it is a 8 months program and we are not getting any younger.
So I did my research and this is what I know. I am blogging this because I am sure many of your have yet to get the vaccine and I want to encourage you guys to DO IT! If you have the facts it will be much easier, and hey I've already done the groundwork.
1. There are 2 types of vaccines that protect against the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer. Cervarix protects less strains though compared to Gardasil which covers 2 extra strains so definitely go for that.
2. You can claim medisave of up to $300 SGD if you have not used it this year. There are clinics charging cost-per-shot pricing, but I suggest to find a clinic that offers a package price for all 3 shots taken at 0, 2 and 6 months.
3. You should also get a PAP smear once every 3 years just to check. This I have yet to do, but will do soon!
So I did a #lazyweb and asked my twitter followers where I can go for the jabs, and got some helpful replies. I also searched on forums. I also called up clinics to ask for their prices. (One of them said only can claim 100 per year. Rubbish.)
Finally I found one that sounded reasonable. It was from the Healthway Medical clinic at AMK beside Jubilee that offers a package for $320 dollars excluding consultation and GST. I had to bring my IC front and back photocopy, and a copy of my CPF Medisave statement for them, and to fill out a form on the spot.
It was then time for the jab. The doctor was asking if I had any questions, which I don't other than confirming that one of the side effects of the jab is not death right? I was only half serious but he took the question seriously and said no, millions of girls have taken it and so far no deaths have stemmed from it. He also mentioned that this is still not yet in our national immunization program for girls yet so Singaporeans still have to do it voluntarily while many developed countries already have it for free for their girls.
After a quick chat, he injected me with the vaccine on my left upper arm muscle. The needle was very thin unlike those for drawing blood, and there was a slight ache as the liquid gets pumped in, but it was quick and not that painful. My arm is now aching slightly but I did not experience any side effects like nausea or fainting, so that is good.
I paid 70 dollars in cash to top up for the vaccine, the GST and consultation cost. That means that whole thing costs about $370. Not bad!
For those of you seeking more information, I think the Healthway Medical clinics should offer quite a good rate across their clinics at about $320 for the 3-shot Gardasil vaccine package. Visit their website to see the locations, and find one near you! Call them up and ask if they have the stock, confirm the pricing and also if you can claim medisave as I cannot guarantee that all clinics have the same procedures! Do check. Then go to the CPF website, and print out your Medisave statement account to bring it to the clinic.
There you go. Have Power Over Cervical Cancer today!
Have you taken the second shot? Was it very painful?
ReplyDeleteyes! I completed the 3 jabs. All not that painful :)
ReplyDeleteActually, the info you got about the vaccine isnt right leh. Cervarix protects more cancer causing strains. For Gardasil,its more for warts than cancer. I heard their cancer protection not good.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI was brought to attention on this drugs from users in us and uk... apparently there are increasingly side effects which makes this vaccine questionable~
Some readings for all~
http://www.naturalnews.com/036108_HPV_vaccines_Gardasil_backlash.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=US&v=msoyRYSoSJk
http://truthaboutgardasil.org
hi amruta, i'm sure you will. 26 is the official cut off age for maximum effectiveness but i don't think there is ever a real cut off age.
ReplyDeleteHi anon, gardasil protects again 4 vs cervarix 2:
ReplyDeleteThe Gardasil vaccine is produced by Merck & Co., Inc. It is called a quadrivalent vaccine because it protects against four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18.
The Cervarix vaccine is produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). It is called a bivalent vaccine because it targets two HPV types: 16 and 18.
Hi Alexis, glad to come across your blog while doing research for the vaccination. I called Healthway group and was informed that for Gardasil package, it's $155 per jab before GST. That's a whopping $465 before GST and consultation. Strange that the price jumped by over $100 within 1 year plus :(
ReplyDeleteHi there,
ReplyDeleteI could gald yo know you first and may I know coz I had already took the jab already been 7 months I have burning sensation around my ovaries and cervical now i hace inner groin smell and bladder problem sumtime my heart beat fast I smell of my ovaries May I know Is it a damaged done yo my system.
Hi anon, you need to see a doctor. IMMEDIATELY.
ReplyDeletehi, if my fren just turned 26 this jan, will she be able to claim the 300 if she taking the jab by this year?
ReplyDeleteHi esther, i suspect she can still claim. but no harm calling the clinic to confirm.
ReplyDeleteHi! Will the doctor ask about personal questions like sexual activity?
ReplyDeleteHi Alexis,
ReplyDeleteDo you have any idea if I could buy Gardasil vaccine over the counter for someone else? Do I need prescription from Dr? My friend from other country requested me to buy it for her as it is not available currently in her country. And she will go to clinic for injection. Where can I buy it? Thanks
However, since this virus is contagious, it is better for you to take some action to prevent the warts from spreading.genital warts
ReplyDeleteThank you for the write up very informative, needed to know where to go and what to do.
ReplyDeleteI got all I needed here :)
Please google Gardasil side effect before taking it.
ReplyDelete