Immunisation is an important and effective way to protect your child from preventable diseases. In Singapore, every child from birth to 12 years old is required to be vaccinated according to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). For Singaporean citizens, the mandatory vaccinations for the first 18 months are fully subsidised by the government.
Conventionally, children would receive their vaccinations at a CHAS GP clinic or polyclinic. However in recent years, there has been a rise in the uptake of home-based child vaccination services. For working parents with busy schedules, the home-based option is a welcomed convenience that can save time and reduce potential exposure to germs in the clinic.
Here are 5 key things to know about the home-based vaccination programme:
1. Fully subsidised for Singaporeans
Parents in Singapore can choose to have their child vaccinated at a GP clinic, a polyclinic, a paediatrician, or Doctor Anywhere’s home-based child vaccination programme. All of these options follow the same NCIS immunisation schedule.
Additionally, children who are Singapore citizens are entitled to child vaccinations at a fully subsidised rate, for both in-clinic and at-home services. There are no additional fees required if you choose the home-based option, while receiving the same quality of care that is given in clinics and polyclinics.
2. Saves time and reduces risk of infections
Doctor Anywhere’s home-based vaccination programme offers busy parents a safe and convenient alternative to essential childhood vaccinations directly at home. You save on travelling time to and from GPs or polyclinics, and also avoid long waiting queues that are a common occurrence. Most importantly, you minimize the risk of exposing your child to other germs and infections from other patients in a clinical environment.
This service offered by Doctor Anywhere is available from Mondays to Saturdays, with two time slots each day to choose from. After the vaccination appointment, the Doctor Anywhere team also updates the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) on your behalf to ensure that your child’s online records are kept current.
3. Adherence to MOH’s stringent safety protocols
Doctor Anywhere adheres to stringent regulatory requirements set by the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH), and is subject to regular internal and external audits by the ministry to maintain the highest industry standards.
In our home-based vaccination programme, Doctor Anywhere uses vaccine cold chain management to maintain the 2 to 8°C temperature range for vaccines. This ensures that vaccines are stored, transported, and administered within this critical temperature range for optimal effectiveness and safety.
4. Administered by qualified healthcare professionals
The Doctor Anywhere home-based vaccination team is run by experienced healthcare professionals which includes Singapore Nursing Board registered nurses and Singapore Medical Council registered doctors (a doctor will perform the service when a child development assessment is required). The team is well trained to administer vaccines for babies and toddlers efficiently, while keeping your little one calm and relaxed.
Vaccines that are suitable to be administered at home include mandatory vaccines as stipulated on the national immunisation schedule, and recommended optional ones such as rotavirus, varicella and influenza. If you are unsure what is suitable for your child, you may discuss with a GP doctor or paediatrician through the DA app.
5. Book an appointment easily online
Booking a home-based child vaccination can be done easily online via: dranywhr.com/sghbchildvac
Booking an appointment:
Choose your preferred date and time slot, and indicate whether a child development assessment is needed. It is advisable to book your appointment at least 14 days before your preferred vaccination date. You will receive an email from the Doctor Anywhere team to confirm your appointment.
Preparation for the vaccination:
Make sure that the area where the vaccination will take place is clean and comfortable. Have your child’s vaccination booklet ready for the team, and a list of any allergies or previous adverse reactions to vaccines.
Post vaccination:
The team will advise you about potential side effects and post-vaccination care. They will also update your child’s vaccination status on the NIR.
As parents, we want the best of our children, and to see them grow up healthy and illness-free. The home-based child vaccination programme is a convenient and accessible alternative for parents to ensure that your child receives timely immunizations. With full subsidies provided for children who are Singapore citizens, these services underscore the government’s commitment to promoting children’s health and well-being.
For more personalised advice to help you make informed decisions about your child’s vaccination needs, you may consult a doctor online via the DA app.
This article was first published on Doctor Anywhere and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
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