Child immunisation schedule in Singapore might be different from other countries. If your child is born in Singapore, it's important to follow the National Child Immunisation Schedule which is recommended by National Immunisation Registry (NIR).
In this blog post, I will answer some common questions about child immunisations and provide you with the information you might find useful.
Why is Child Immunisation Important?
Childhood diseases can have serious effects on your baby. That is why your newborn baby needs all the care and protection that you can give.
Child immunisations help to protect children from harmful diseases. They strengthen the body's immune system and guard against diseases before they have a chance to cause illness.
Why Do Different Countries Have Different Vaccination Schedules?
Most countries around the world tend to recommend similar kinds of vaccines for babies, children and adults. However, vaccination schedules maybe different from one country to another.
In the United States, for example, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over 6 months of age. In the United Kingdom, however, the programme is targeted to children over 2 years old, adults over 65 years old, pregnant women, and special groups such as those with serious medical conditions.
What is The Child Immunisation Schedule in Singapore?
According to the National Child Immunisation Schedule effective from 1 November 2020, child immunisation starts from birth to age 17 years old.
From 18 months onwards, you're recommended to take Influenza vaccination annually or per season.
Birth
Hep B (Hepatitis B) 1st dose and BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin)
2 Months
Hep B 2nd dose
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis-polio (DTP-Polio), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) 1st dose
4 Months
DTP-polio, Hib 2nd dose
Pneumococcal 1st dose
6 Months
Hep B 3rd dose
DTP-polio, Hib 3rd dose
12 Months
Pneumococcal 1st Booster
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella 1st dose
15 Months
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella 2nd dose
18 Months
DTP-polio, Hib 1st booster
6 Months to 59 Months
Influenza (yearly)
How Do I View My Child Immunisation Record?
There 2 ways you could view your child immunisation records.
Via National Immunisation Registry Website
If you have a child born on or after 1 January 1996, you can retrieve their immunisation records at National Immunisation Registry website.
Via LifeSG mobile app
First, download LifeSG mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
Second, log in to your account using Singpass and click on "Services" via the bottom navigation and scroll all the way down and click "View all services".
Third, click "Healthcare".
Fourth, select "View child immunisation records" under "MANAGING YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH" section.
What Should I bring for My Child Immunisation Appointment?
Remember to bring your child's health booklet.
Is Child Immunsation Free in Singapore?
The Vaccination and Childhood Development Screening Subsidies (VCDSS) enable all eligible Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) to receive subsidies for nationally-recommended vaccinations and Childhood Development Screenings (CDS) at polyclinics and/or CHAS GP clinics.
For vaccination subsidies: All Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) who meet the criteria for vaccination under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) are eligible for subsidies for nationally-recommeded vaccinations. All other groups, including SCs who do not meet the recommended criteria for vaccination, are not eligible for vaccination subsidy.
For CDS subsidies: All children who are SCs and PRs (from ages 0 to 6 years old) who attend Childhood Developmental Screening (CDS) according to the recommended touchpoints under local guidelines will be eligible for CDS subsidies.
Singaporeans benefit from higher subsidies of between $35 to $125 for nationally-recommended vaccinations listed on the Subsidised Vaccine List (SVL) administered at CHAS GP clinics.
Please be reminded that eligibility for subsidised vaccination is based on the recommendations under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) and National Child Immunisation Schedule (NCIS).
Eligible Singaporean children will receive full subsidy for the seven childhood developmental screening milestones, at both CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.
Are Child Vaccination Covered by Insurance?
Unfortunately no. It's best to check with your insurance provider. In most cases, your child will be covered if there's a medical condition such as fever, cough, flu, vomitting, etc.
Conclusion
If your child is born in Singapore, it's important to make sure your child gets the required immunisation based on the National Child Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). Eligible Singaporean children will receive full subsidy for the seven childhood developmental screening milestones, at both CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.
Immunisation will help to strengthen your child's body immune system and guard against disease.
