The Ministry of Health, Singapore (MOH) has established the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) to help adults make more informed decisions when it comes to vaccinations and protection from infectious diseases.
Vaccines for adults in Singapore
Here is what the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) means:
- The NAIS provides the public and healthcare professionals with information on the necessary vaccinations, targeted groups who should be vaccinated, and frequency of vaccination.
- With the NAIS, adults (aged 18 and above) who have not been previously vaccinated, or who are at risk will be able to make more informed choices on vaccination for personal protection.
- From 1 November 2017, Medisave can be used to pay for recommended vaccinations for the specific target adult population groups under the NAIS.
Singaporeans will be able to use up to $400 of their Medisave per account, under the Medisave400 scheme, for all recommended vaccinations for the target adult population groups in the NAIS.
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The NAIS was developed based on the recommendations of the national Expert Committee on Immunisation (ECI), and comprises 7 types of vaccines that protect against 11 diseases, including:
(i) Influenza;
(ii) Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV23);
(iii) Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4);
(iv) Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap);
(v) Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR);
(vi) Hepatitis B; and
(vii) Varicella.
- Individuals are advised to discuss their vaccination needs and suitability to receive the recommended adult vaccines with their doctor first.
- Please note that, those who have had severe allergic reaction after a previous vaccination or allergies to specific vaccine components should not receive the vaccine.
- Pregnant women and those with compromised immmune systems should not receive live vaccines such as MMR or varicella vaccines.
- Vaccinations recommended under the NAIS are not mandatory. They are meant to advise adults on how to protect their health and well-being.
- Patients who need the vaccines but are unable to pay for it can approach medical social workers at polyclinics and public healthcare institutions to explore financial assistance.
National Adult Immunisation Schedule – Recommended groups and vaccination schedule
The picture below gives information on the necessary adult vaccinations, targeted groups who should be vaccinated, and frequency of vaccination.
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Vaccines
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Recommended Groups
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Schedule
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Influenza
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• Persons aged 65 years or older;
• Those aged 18 years and receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
• Persons who have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, and heart disease;
• Those who are immunocompromised;
• Persons receiving intermediate and long term care services;
• Women at all stages of pregnancy.
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1 dose annually
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Pneumococcal
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• Persons aged 65 years or older
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1 dose each
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• Persons aged 18 years and older with chronic illnesses such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver diseases and diabetes mellitus;
• Persons who are immunocompromised or with other medical conditions.**
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1 or 2 doses
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Human papillomavirus (HPV)
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• Females aged 18 to 26 years
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3 doses (0, 1-2, 6 months)
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Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap)
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• Pregnant women (for each pregnancy)
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1 dose per pregnancy
(16-32 weeks)
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Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
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• Adults without evidence of immunity and/or prior disease
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2 doses (0, 4 weeks)
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Hepatitis B
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• Adults without evidence of immunity and/or prior disease
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3 doses (0, 1, 6 months)
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Varicella
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• Adults without evidence of immunity and/or prior disease
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2 doses (0, 4-8 weeks)
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(Source: MOH)
