By now, most of us would have had at least two rounds of COVID-19 vaccination jabs that have helped create herd immunisation to end the pandemic. But they are not the only set of vaccinations that we may have had in our lifetimes, especially as we have to take mandatory vaccination jabs in our younger days.
Aside from childhood vaccination, there are many important and recommended immunisations adults can take as well to ensure that they stay healthy and well-protected from illnesses. This is especially important if you eventually intend to travel out of the country, which may increase your risk of exposure to viruses.
On top of knowing the types of vaccinations there are and which you would like to take, it’s also important to take note of the cost of your vaccination. To encourage Singaporeans to protect themselves, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has a recommended immunisation schedule for both children and adults as well as subsidies for taking these recommended vaccinations.
Here’s a look into the costs and types of common vaccines in Singapore.
Mandatory Vaccinations By Law
Under the Infectious Diseases Act and the Infectious Diseases (Diphtheria and Measles Vaccination) Regulations, children must be vaccinated against diphtheria and measles. You can be fined up to $500 for the first offence and up to $1,000 for the second or subsequent offence if you fail to vaccinate your child for these diseases.
#1 Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a contagious disease that is spread through physical contact or droplets during coughing and sneezing. It is highly contagious and serious, but there is a vaccine for the disease which can be administered for diphtheria prevention.
Diphtheria vaccinations are normally included in the TDAP vaccination, which includes vaccines against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (whooping cough).
Cost: Also referred to as the 5-in-one vaccine, which vaccinates against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, and inactivated Polio vaccine, it is free ($0) for eligible Singaporean children.
#2 Measles
Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection. It begins as a high fever and causes a rash. In severe cases, measles can lead to lung infections, deafness, blindness and even brain damage.
In Singapore, the vaccination against measles is usually included in the MMR vaccination in primary school, a combined vaccine targeted against Measles, Mumps and Rubella.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children or $50 for MMR-Measles, Mumps, Rubella at Minmed.
Mandatory Child Vaccinations In Primary School
Asides from the two mandatory vaccinations, children need to complete the recommended immunisations according to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, in order to register for primary school enrolment.
As of 1 November 2020, Singaporean children (Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents) will receive full subsidies for the nationally recommended vaccinations administered at CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics.
#1 Tuberculosis (BCG)
Tuberculosis usually infects the lungs, but it can affect other parts of the body too. It is an airborne disease and can be fatal if a person sick from tuberculosis is not treated promptly.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children
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#2 Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTap & Tdap)
Tetanus, known as lockjaw, affects the body’s muscles and nerves. It also causes muscle spasms that help with breathing, leading to trouble with breathing that can turn fatal. Usually, a person becomes infected when the bacteria causing Tetanus enters through a break in the skin such as a cut or puncture wound, or through a contaminated object.
Pertussis is highly contagious and serious among newborns and infants. This is because they are a group more susceptible to developing complications such as lung infections seizures or even fatalities.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children.
#3 Poliovirus (IPV)
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is caused by the poliovirus which is usually spread via food or water contaminated with infected human faeces or infected saliva. This infection can lead to paralysed and deformed arms or legs in severe cases.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children.
#4 Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Mumps is a common childhood viral infection that causes the saliva glands on both sides of the jaw to swell. Mumps spread by respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person Complications can lead to infections in the brain, deafness or infertility in males.
Rubella, otherwise known as German measles, is mild when it affects children. However, the disease is serious for expectant women and can lead to serious abnormalities in their babies such as deafness, blindness or mental issues.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children.
#5 Hepatitis B (HepB)
Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that spreads via direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of a carrier. Newborns are administered the first of three doses soon after birth.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children.
#6 Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
Influenza is a contagious disease that can affect anyone. It affects the respiratory tract in humans and causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. This includes the nose, throat and lungs.
The infection leads to complications such as lung infections in high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and those with weakened immunities including expectant mothers.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children.
#7 Pneumococcal Disease (PCV)
Pneumococcal disease is common in children under the age of 2 and the elderly. It is potentially fatal and can cause chest, ear and brain infections in those infected.
Cost: $0 for eligible Singaporean children or $135 for Prevnar 13 at Affinity Medical Clinic, which vaccinates against pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive disease caused by 13 strains and $86.40 for Pneumovax 23, which vaccinates for pneumococcal disease caused by the 23 serotypes.
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The specific brands of vaccines that are subsidised under the NCIS are typically the same offered for unsubsidised immunisation. You can check the full list here. While the vaccine subsidies apply at all participating CHAS GP clinics, not all clinics may have the vaccines in stock, so do check with your GP prior to your visit.
Recommended Adult Vaccinations
Apart from the National Child Immunisation Schedule, the Ministry of Health has also released an immunisation schedule for adults aimed at increasing awareness of the benefits of adult vaccination for personal protection and the protection of at-risk family members.
Even if adults have been vaccinated before, there are certain vaccines that should be taken depending on their or their family’s susceptibility to diseases, or if they belong to specific groups that require the vaccine –– such as pneumococcal vaccines for persons with pre-existing medical conditions, or Tdap for pregnant women.
The use of Medisave savings is allowed for recommended vaccinations under the NAIS at all public healthcare institutions, Medisave-accredited GPs and private hospitals. From 1 January 2021 , Singaporeans can use up to $500 of their Medisave per account under the Medisave500 scheme or up to $700 yearly under the Medisave700 scheme for patients with chronic conditions for approved vaccinations.
As of 1 April 2023, eligible Singaporeans need only pay the following amounts after the increased subsidies for nationally recommended vaccinations at CHAS GP clinics:
#1 Influenza
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It is more serious than the common cold. The infection can, at times, lead to complications such as pneumonia and even death especially among older people, young children and people with certain chronic conditions.
Commonly, known as the “flu”, it can affect anyone including healthy people. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (the nose, throat and the lungs), and causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. You can get a flu vaccination every year to prevent influenza.
Cost: About $50 per dose, without subsidies.
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#2 Pneumococcal Infection
Cost: About $200 per dose of PCV13, without subsidies.
#3 Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer among women. Usually, the virus is naturally cleared by one’s immune system. Infected cells in the cervix will return to normal in these cases. Otherwise, the infection can persist and cause cells to turn pre-cancerous and eventually cancerous, resulting in cervical cancer.
HPV immunisation can help prevent types of HPV infections that will lead to cervical cancer. The subsidies only apply to eligible females who are within the recommended age range of 18 to 26 years old.
Cost: About $150 per dose for the 4-valent HPV vaccine, and $250 per dose for the 9-valent HPV vaccine, without subsidies. Total 3 doses.
#4 Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap)
Cost: About $60 to $80 per dose, without subsidies.
#5 Measles, Mumps, Rubella
Cost: About $40 to $80 per dose, without subsidies.
#6 Hepatitis B
Cost: About $50 to $60 per dose, without subsidies. 3 doses, dependent on blood test results.
#7 Varicella
Varicella is the virus otherwise known to cause chickenpox–– an infection that causes itchy, red blisters to appear all over the face and body. Expectant women who contract chickenpox during pregnancy risk bearing children with birth defects. The virus can cause shingles in adulthood.
Cost: About $90 to $120 per dose, without subsidies.
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Know Why You Want / Need To Get Vaccinated
The cost of your vaccinations varies greatly depending on whether you get them as a child or an adult. On top of that, the extent of subsidy that you are eligible for depends on whether you are Singaporean and whether you are in the recommended group under the national immunisation schedule.
While getting immunised can help prevent you from getting diseases that can be vaccine-preventive, it is important to check with your family doctor when in doubt and avoid jumping onto the next vaccine just in case there may be unsuspecting risks associated with it. Doing so may also help you decide who is the best practitioner for you to get vaccinated with.
This article was originally published on 26 February 2020 and updated to reflect the latest information. Additional reporting by Angela Koo.
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