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.

*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:

1. Rotavirus vaccination
2. Hepatitis A vaccination
3. Meningococcus vaccination
4. 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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Serena Fung

Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime Singapore

Serena Fung is a Senior Content Creator at Pacific Prime, a global insurance brokerage and employee specialist serving over 1.5 million clients in 15 offices across the world. With 2+ years of experience writing about the subject, she aims to demystify the world of insurance for readers with the latest updates, guides and articles on the blog.

Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).

Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.

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