Are vaccinations still relevant in today's world? Are they safe?
Well, today we may have better levels of hygiene and sanitation, and clean water, but if people are not vaccinated, diseases that have become uncommon such as pertussis (whooping cough), polio and measles, will quickly reappear.
And for those who worry about the side effects of vaccines, the WHO states, "It is far more likely to be seriously injured by a vaccine-preventable disease than by a vaccine."
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Vaccination schedule in Singapore: For babies and children
This is the age-wise vaccination schedule in Singapore:
At Birth
- BCG: Immunisation against Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B - 1st dose: Immunisation against Hepatitis B
Do note: 2 – 3 weeks after BCG vaccination, a small red lump usually appears at the injection site. This lump may increase in size and develop into an ulcer with a crust forming over it. A scar remains after the crust falls off. This is a normal reaction and not a side effect.
1 Month
- Hepatitis B - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Hepatitis B
3 Months
- DTaP - 1st dose: Immunisation against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
- IPV - 1st dose: Immunisation against Poliomyelitis
- Hib - 1st dose: Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine
- Pneumococcal Conjugate - 1st dose: Immunisation against Pneumococcal Disease
4 Months
- DTaP - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
- IPV - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Poliomyelitis
- Hib - 2nd dose: Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine
5 Months
- Hepatitis B - 3rd dose: Immunisation against Hepatitis B
- DTaP - 3rd dose: Immunisation against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
- IPV - 3rd dose: Immunisation against Poliomyelitis
- Hib - 3rd dose: Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine
- Pneumococcal Conjugate - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Pneumococcal Disease
5-6 months
- Hepatitis B - 3rd dose: Immunisation against Hepatitis B
The 3rd dose of Hepatitis B vaccination can be given with the 3rd dose of DTaP, IPV and Hib for the convenience of parents.
12 months
- MMR - 1st dose: Immunisation against Measles, Mumps & Rubella
- Pneumococcal Conjugate - 1st booster: Immunisation against Pneumococcal Disease
Do note: Following MMR vaccination, some children develop a fever and rash 1 – 2 weeks later or swelling of the glands of the neck after 3 – 4 weeks.
15-18 months
- MMR - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Measles, Mumps & Rubella
The 2nd dose of MMR can be given between 15-18 months.
18 months
- DTaP - 1st booster: Immunisation against Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus
- IPV - 1st booster: Immunisation against Poliomyelitis
- Hib - 1st booster: Haemophilus influenza type b vaccine
- MMR - 2nd dose: Immunisation against Measles, Mumps & Rubella
The 2nd dose of MMR can be given between 15-18 months.
10-11 years (Primary 5)
- Tdap - 2nd booster: Immunisation against Tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis
- Oral Polio - 2nd booster: Immunisation against Poliomyelitis
Vaccination schedule in Singapore: Some facts
- Immunisations for Diphtheria and Measles are COMPULSORY by Law.
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The National Immunisation Registry (NIR) maintains the immunisation records for all Singapore Residents aged 18 years and under.
Parents can view their child's immunisation records at the NIR website www.nir.hpb.gov.sg. NIR uses the SingPass password for authentication.
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1) Child's Birth Certificate
2) Child's Singapore Citizenship certificate/dependant Pass / Long Term Visit Pass, etc ( If a child is not born in Singapore )
3) Child's Passport ( if Singapore ID document is yet to obtain )
4) Child's immunisation records ( in English )
5) Both parent's Singapore NRIC ( front & back )
6) Both parent's contact phone no. & email address
7) Residential & mailing ( if different from residential ) address
- Basic immunisation (except for hepatitis B and pneumococcus) is provided free at Polyclinics.
However, optional immunisation for chickenpox, meningitis (Haemophilus influenzae type b - Hib) and hepatitis A are available at a fee. Please check with your family doctor or at any Polyclinic.
- Immunisation is only given when a child is found to be fit.
You should inform the doctor if your child:
• is sick
• has a medical condition e.g. fits, poor immunity, neurological disorder, abnormal development, etc
• is on medication
• has received a recent infusion of blood products e.g. immunoglobulins
• child has allergies e.g. egg, drugs, etc
• has had a severe reaction to a vaccine before
• has contacts with anyone with poor immunity
- When your child registers for primary school, the School will check your child’s immunisation certificates to see if he or she has completed all the recommended immunisations.
Booster doses for various immunisations for school-going children will be given at the School Health Service.
- Vaccinations are generally safe. However, like all medications, some children may develop a severe reaction.
It is common to have a mild fever, sore arm or slight redness and swelling after a vaccination. You should see a doctor if your child:
• has very high fever
• child has unusual cry or cries incessantly
• has a severe rash or swelling
• has fits
• is unwell e.g. difficulty breathing, pale, fast heartbeat, etc
• is not behaving normally.
Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
Vaccination Schedule in Singapore: Optional vaccines
There are some optional vaccines which are not included in the National Childhood Immunisation Programme. These include:
- Vaccine Against Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib)
Haemophilus influenza type B is a bacteria that can cause life-threatening diseases in young children like meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, etc.
In a 5-in-1 jab or 6-in-1 vaccine, vaccination against the haemophilus influenza type B is usually included.
- Pneumococcal Vaccine: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria that can cause infections in children (e.g. meningitis, sepsis, pneumonia, ear infections, etc).
These may be serious or even fatal.
- Rotavirus Vaccine: Rotavirus is a common cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and children.
The vaccine is given orally.
- Influenza Vaccine: The influenza vaccine may be given from 6 months of age.
Annual revaccination against the anticipated viral strains is required.
- Chicken Pox Vaccine: The chickenpox vaccine can be given after the age of one year.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination can help prevent specific types of HPV infection that may lead to cervical cancer. Recommended for females 9 to 26 years.
The vaccination schedule is 2 doses with an interval of 0 and 6 months for females aged 9 to 13 and 3 doses with an interval of 0, 2 and 6 months (for Gardasil) or 0, 1 and 6 months (for Cervarix) for females aged 14 to 26.
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