Health & Wellness Child Developement

Vaccinations - All that you should know

Timely vaccination forms an integral part of raising a healthy child. Here are some answers to questions you might have about vaccinations in Singapore.

Common Vaccinations in Singapore

The vaccination cycle begins with a shot of BCG to prevent against tuberculosis and the first dose of Hepatitis B right after the birth of your child. Childhood Vaccinations in Singapore under the National Childhood Immunization Schedule covered under Medisave400 include Pneumococcal vaccinations (for children aged below 6), Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (for females aged between 9 - 26 years of age), Hepatitis B vaccination, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tuberculosis (BCG), Diphtheria, Pertussis & Tetanus (DTaP/Tdap), Poliomyelitis, Haemophilus Influenza Type B (Hib).

Recommended vaccines during pregnancy

“Pregnant women should have a flu vaccine during each pregnancy, at any stage and as early as possible during the flu season. Influenza vaccination is currently recommended by our Ministry of Health Singapore for pregnant women,” says Dr E K TAN, Singapore based Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, with special interests in OBGYN ultrasound imaging, high-risk obstetrics and fetal medicine.

Dr Tan also warns about Whooping Cough (Pertussis) which is a highly infectious bacterial disease that causes severe bouts of coughing. “Studies have found that whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective for both the mother and baby. These antibodies will protect your baby until they are ready to receive their own vaccinations at 6 weeks of age,” he further elaborates.

Vaccination reimbursements

Medisave, the national healthcare saving scheme that helps Singaporeans to prepare for medical emergencies also encourages Singapore residents to take up preventive measures such as early detection and vaccination. The Medisave400 scheme allows Singaporeans to pay for their children’s vaccination and certain newborn tests.

Vaccination Schedule & Costs for children

The cost varies depending on your immigration status and also on your selection of clinics – whether public or private. Charges at a private clinic can begin with SGD $70-80 just for consultations with the cost going up to SGD 300-500 including the tax and the cost of vaccination.

“For each medical visit, I end up paying approximately SGD $300-500,” says Parul Vaish, a permanent resident of Singapore for the last nine years.

Another resident who did not wish to be quoted shared how she ends up paying about SGD $70-80 for visiting and vaccinations at Singapore Baby and Child Care clinics (SBCC). Some insurance coverage is applicable only in polyclinics. For a detailed understanding of the costs, refer to the table below:

NHGP offers the following childhood immunisations:

Vaccination	Price Per Dose Before GST (SGD)			Medisave Payable for Citizens/PR
Vaccination	Singapore Citizen	Permanent Resident	Non-Resident	Medisave Payable for Citizens/PR
5-in-1 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis + Inactivated Polio Vaccine + Haemophilus Influenza type B)	Free	$52.50	$105.00	Yes
6-in-1 (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis + Inactivated Polio Vaccine + Haemophilus Influenza type B + Hep B)	$120.00			Yes
Hepatitis A Junior (Single)	$66.00			No
Hepatitis B (<7 years)	Free	$20.00	$40.00	Yes
Influenza (2 doses for children from 6 months to < 9 years of age who have not previously been vaccinated)	$26.50			No
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (Child)	Free	$20.00	$40.00	Yes
Pneumococcal 13-Valent (Child)	$150.00			Yes (< 6 years)
Rotavirus	$95.00			No
Varicella (Chickenpox)	$72.00			No

Note: Information correct as at 13 December 2016.

How to keep vaccination costs low?

Visiting a polyclinic will always be a cheaper option for Singapore citizens. However, permanent and non-residents have to pay the non-subsidized rates. Shots mentioned in the National Childhood Immunization programme are free for citizens of Singapore at the polyclinics apart from vaccines against hepatitis B, pneumococcal, HPV and influenza. Medisave benefits can be used if you visit at select hospitals.

Can vaccinations be delayed or put off?

It is compulsory in Singapore for children to be vaccinated against measles and proof is required for admission into childcare centres. Primary school registration also requires vaccination certificates to be complete with all the major vaccines administered. If you fail to obtain that complete certificate, you will receive reminders from the government.

Vaccination tips & checklist

Even if your child doesn’t get their shots on time or has missed a few, it’s never too late. You can always consult your childcare specialist and continue with the vaccination schedule without having to start all over again.
Avoid vaccination if the baby is sick.
Inform the doctor in case the baby has any allergies or any reactions faced during previous vaccinations.
Try not to give more than one vaccination on the same day.

Choosing a healthy start for your little one may be a tough choice with a plethora of options with varying costs. However, knowing one’s entitlements and a little planning can iron out the early hiccups in your newborn’s journey of life.

References:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/dam/moh_web/Diseases%20and%20Conditions/Influenza/NCIS%201%20June%202013.pdf

https://www.nhgp.com.sg/faq.aspx?id=720dda1c60b242a2999b475c0438ba78

https://www.pacificprime.com/resources/news/costs-of-vaccinations-and-coverage-in-singapore/

https://www.moh.gov.sg/content/moh_web/home/costs_and_financing/schemes_subsidies/medisave/Withdrawal_Limits.html