Baby and child vaccination schedule in Singapore: What you should know
Bringing a new life into this world is certainly not easy. That’s why you should safeguard your little one against preventable diseases. The Ministry of Health (MOH) encourages all children in Singapore to get vaccinated based on an immunization schedule. In this Pacific Prime Singapore article, we’ll go over the immunization schedule for baby and child, and what you should know about vaccinations in the Lion City.
Immunizations are important for your baby and child
Vaccinations protect your baby and child against vaccine-preventable diseases that can lead to serious complications or even death. Known also as ‘booster doses’, some immunizations require additional doses to maintain your child’s immunity to the disease. However, bear in mind that if your little one has a weak immune system, they must avoid live vaccines like MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) and oral Polio. It’s always the safest to check with your pediatrician to address any worries prior to inoculation.
Recommended Vaccinations Under the National Childhood Immunization Program (NCIP)
Below, you’ll find the national recommendations for childhood vaccinations for children from birth to 17 years old. For more information, check out the National Childhood Immunization Schedule (NCIS). Also, we’ll do a quick rundown here on combination vaccines and optional vaccines.
Vaccine | Vaccination Against | Time of Vaccination | Booster Doses |
Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) | Tuberculosis | At birth | N/A |
Hepatitis B (HepB) | Hepatitis B | At birth – 1st dose
2 month – 2nd dose 6 months – 3rd dose |
N/A |
Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV10 or PCV13) | Pneumococcal | 4 months – 1st dose
6 months – 2nd dose |
1 year |
Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis | Diphtheria,
Pertussis & Tetanus |
2 months – 1st dose
4 months – 2nd dose 6 months – 3rd dose |
18 months – 1st booster |
Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis | N/A | N/A | 10 – 11 years – 2nd booster |
Inactivated poliovirus (IPV) | Polio Virus | 2 months – 1st dose
4 months – 2nd dose 6 months – 3rd dose |
18 months – 1st booster
10 – 11 years – 2nd booster |
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Haemophilus Influenzae Type B | 2 months – 1st dose
4 months – 2nd dose 6 months – 3rd dose |
18 months – 1st booster |
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) | Measles, Mumps & Rubella | 12 months – 1st dose
15 months – 2nd dose |
N/A |
Varicella (VAR) | Chickenpox | 12 months – 1st dose
15 months – 2nd dose |
N/A |
Human papillomavirus (HPV2 or HPV4) | This immunization is recommended for females 9 to 26 years old. Three doses are required and are administered at the intervals of 0, 2, and 6 months. | ||
Influenza (INF) | Annual or per season vaccination is recommended for all children age 6 months to <5 years old (6 to 59 months).
Annual or per season vaccination is recommended for children and adolescents age 5-17 years old with certain medical conditions. |
*Note that immunizations for Diphtheria and Measles are compulsory by Law.
What are combination vaccines?
These formulations combine vaccines against 4,5, or even 6 diseases into a single, convenient injection. Combination vaccines have been proven to be both safe and effective.
Here are a few examples of combination vaccines:
- 5-in-1 injection consists of vaccines against Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).
- 6-in-1 injection includes vaccines against Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and Hepatitis B.
- MMRV vaccine combines vaccines against four common childhood diseases, Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella (i.e. chickenpox).
Optional child vaccinations
Besides the recommended ones, consider obtaining these extra protections for your child:
- Rotavirus vaccination
- Hepatitis A vaccination
- Meningococcus vaccination
- Travel vaccinations for specific regions
Remember to consult your doctor if you’re keen on these optional childhood immunizations.
Side effects of baby and child vaccinations
All vaccinations undergo rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness before they are approved and licensed. Given that, the risks of complications from vaccines are low. Also, allergy to vaccines is rare. Don’t be alarmed if you see these common (but non-exhaustive list of) side effects of vaccinations. However, please contact your pediatrician as soon as possible if you notice any serious symptoms.
For Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines, the site of injection may redden and swell. Your child may also experience a fever and tiredness with Pneumococcal vaccine.
MMR vaccine may cause a brief reaction that can begin from a few days to three weeks after vaccination. Your little one may get a mild cough, runny nose, skin rash, fever or swollen salivary glands.
Last but not least, BCG vaccination may cause a small boil to develop several weeks later at the site of injection.
Costs of baby and child vaccinations: Enhanced Subsidies for Nationally Recommended Vaccinations
All Singaporean children are eligible for full subsidies of recommended vaccinations. With that said, only specific brands of vaccinations are subsidized at polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics. Eligible Permanent Residents (PRs) can also enjoy partial subsidies for recommended jabs at polyclinics. For injection charges, please contact your preferred polyclinics.
Protect your child with family insurance
Not (or not yet) a Singaporean Permanent Resident? Expect to pay out of pocket for these recommended vaccinations. Securing family health insurance in Singapore means jabs for your little one will be covered. What’s more, you’ll ensure you have access to the best treatments at top medical facilities in Singapore. Protect those of us who are new to this world with newborn health insurance.
Pacific Prime Singapore is thrilled to support you and your family by leveraging our years of industry experience and partnerships with the top insurers in the world. Get a free quote now with our online quotation tool! Prefer free tailored and impartial advice? Contact our team of expert insurance advisors today!
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