CHILDHOOD VACCINATION SCHEDULE IN SINGAPORE

Vaccinations are undoubtedly one of the great advances of modern medicine.  Through the use of vaccines, many diseases that used to cause widespread disease and death, have largely been prevented, if not eradicated completely.

Vaccines are inactivated or dead viruses/bacteria. When introduced into the body, the person's immune system responds by producing antibodies against the disease-causing organism. This process of developing immunity by taking a vaccine is called immunization.

Children are given a series of vaccinations from birth, according to the country's specific childhood immunization schedule. There are minor variations in the timing and type of vaccinations given in different countries. This article covers the Childhood Immunization Schedule in Singapore. (The Optional Vaccinations will be covered in another article).

MOH Scheduled Vaccinations:

• BCG Vaccine
• Polio Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Vaccine
• MMR Vaccine
• DPT/DT Vaccine
• Pneumococcal Vaccine

Optional Vaccinations: (click here to see optional vaccines)

• Hepatitis A Vaccine
• H1N1 Vaccine
• Hib Vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine
• Rotavirus Vaccine
• Influenza Vaccine

Notes: Children in Primary 6 in 2008 will still receive the MMR booster, oral Sabin (3rd  booster) and Tdap (3rd booster). Children in Primary 5 (2008 -2011) will receive the MMR booster, oral Sabin (3rd booster) and Tdap (3rd booster). From 2012 onwards, children in Primary 5 will only receive the oral Sabin and Tdap.

From November 1, 2009, Medisave can be used to pay for pneumococcal vaccination of children.

With effect from 1st Dec 2011, following the recommendations by the Expert Committee on Immunization, the new recommendations for MMR vaccinations are as follows: 1st dose at 12 mths of age, and 2nd dose at 15 - 18 mth of age (brought forward from 6-7 years previously).    Read more about the changes to the MMR vaccination.