Baby & Child Vaccination Singapore
Why Are Vaccinations for Babies & Children Important?
Vaccinations help protect babies and children from serious diseases by
preparing their immune systems to fight off harmful germs. Getting vaccinated lowers the chance
of getting sick, having complications, or spreading illness to others.
When your child gets all their vaccines on time, it helps keep them healthy and also protects
people around them. This is known as herd immunity, which makes it harder for diseases to spread
in the community.
Baby & Child Vaccination Schedule in Singapore
The baby and child vaccination schedule in Singapore is guided by the National Childhood Immunisation
Schedule (NCIS), which ensures children receive protection against vaccine-preventable
diseases at the appropriate ages. The schedule begins at birth and continues through primary
school, with certain vaccines given in multiple doses at different stages.
Key vaccinations recommended under the NCIS include:
| Vaccination | Protects Against | Doses / Boosters |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) | Tuberculosis, especially severe forms affecting the lungs and brain. | Single dose given at birth |
| Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B virus, reducing the risk of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. | 3 doses |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP / Tdap) | Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough), which cause breathing problems, muscle spasms, and neurological issues. | 3 doses + 1 booster |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) | Bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia. | 3 doses + 1 booster |
| Polio (IPV) | Poliovirus, which can cause paralysis and other severe complications. | 3 doses + 1 booster |
| Pneumococcal (PCV) | Pneumococcal diseases, including meningitis, sepsis, and ear infections. | 2 doses + 1 booster |
| MMR | Viral infections caused by measles virus, mumps virus, and rubella virus. | 3 doses + 1 booster |
| Varicella | Chickenpox, which can cause complications in infants and those with weaker immune systems. | 1-2 doses (depending on age and prior immunity) |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) | Viral infection caused by human papillomavirus, linked to cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. | 2 doses (typically from age 9 onwards) |
| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine | Influenza virus, which changes seasonally and may cause respiratory illness. | Annually |
In Singapore, diphtheria and measles vaccinations are compulsory by law for all children.
Recommended Vaccination Timeline by Age
Here are the recommended vaccinations timeline by age according to NCIS:
| Age | Single Vaccines |
|---|---|
| At birth |
BCG (Single dose) Hep B (Dose 1) |
| 2 months |
Hep B (Dose 2) DTaP (Dose 1) Polio (Dose 1) Hib (Dose 1) |
| 4 months |
DTaP (Dose 2) Polio (Dose 2) Hib (Dose 2) PCV (Dose 1) |
| 6 months |
Hep B (Dose 2) DTaP (Dose 3) Polio (Dose 3) Hib (Dose 3) PCV (Dose 2) |
| 12 months |
PCV (Booster 1) MMR (Dose 1) Varicella (Dose 1) |
| 15 months |
MMR (Dose 2) Varicella (Dose 2) |
| 18 months |
Dtap (Booster 1) Polio (Booster 1) Hib (Booster 1) |
| 10-11 years |
Tdap (Booster 2) Polio (Booster 2) |
| 12-13 years | HPV (Dose 1) - Females |
| 13-14 years | HPV (Dose 2) - Females |
Speak with a GP to personalise this schedule if your child has a pre-existing condition or has missed previous vaccinations.
Combination Vaccinations
Combination vaccinations help reduce the number of injections needed by combining multiple vaccines into a single shot. This improves both efficiency and comfort for children and caregivers, and is a common practice in paediatric immunisation.
5-in-1 Vaccine / 6-in-1 Vaccine
The 5-in-1 vaccine offers combined protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping
cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). The 6-in-1 vaccine includes all the
components of the 5-in-1 vaccine, with the added protection against hepatitis B. Using
combination vaccines helps reduce the number of separate injections your child needs, making the
vaccination process more efficient.
The recommended schedule for these combination vaccines is as follows:
| Age | Combination Vaccinations |
|---|---|
| 2 months | 6-in-1 (Dose 1) |
| 4 months | 5-in-1 (Dose 2) |
| 6 months | 6-in-1 (Dose 3) |
| 18 months | 5-in-1 (Booster 1) |
Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR), and Chickenpox
The varicella (chickenpox) vaccine may be given on its own or combined with the MMR vaccine as MMRV, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella in a single injection.
Baby & Child Vaccination Cost / Price
At Central Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of vaccinations for infants and children.
Many of the recommended vaccines under the NCIS are fully subsidised when paid using your
child’s Baby Bonus Cash Gift or
Childhood Development Account (CDA), for eligible Singapore Citizen children.
| Vaccination | Price |
|---|---|
| Single Vaccines | |
| Hepatitis B Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP / Tdap) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Polio (IPV) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Pneumococcal (PCV13) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Varicella Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Influenza (Flu) Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS (until 59 months of age) |
| Combination Vaccines | |
| 5-in-1 Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| 6-in-1 Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
| Measles, Mumps, & Rubella (MMR) + Varicella Vaccine | Fully subsidised under NCIS |
We also offer child development assessments during routine immunisation appointments. Speak to our clinic staff to find out more.
Preparing for Your Child’s Vaccination Appointment
Taking a few simple steps before your child’s vaccination can help reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience.
- Dress your child in loose clothing to allow easy access to the injection site.
- Bring your child’s health booklet so the vaccination can be properly recorded.
- Feed infants before the appointment to help soothe them afterwards.
- If your child is old enough, explain the vaccination in simple, reassuring language to help reduce anxiety.
If your child is feeling unwell on the day of the appointment, let your doctor know. The vaccination may be postponed depending on the symptoms and their severity.
Checking My Child’s Vaccination Records
You can check your child’s vaccination records through the National Immunisation Registry (NIR).
The NIR securely maintains immunisation records for all Singapore residents and allows parents
to verify completed and upcoming vaccinations.
You can access your child’s records through:
- HealthHub app or portal
- NIR online services
- Your GP or paediatrician, who can print or review your child’s immunisation history during visits
Keeping your child’s vaccination records up to date is important for school enrolment, travel requirements, and future healthcare planning. If any doses have been missed, your doctor can recommend a catch-up schedule based on your child’s age and health needs.