What vaccinations do my kids need?

It’s important to keep on top of your kids’ vaccinations. But it can also be confusing to keep track of them, knowing which are necessary and when they need to be done. So, read on to find out more about mandatory and recommended immunisations in Singapore, including how much they cost and if they can be covered by health insurance.

What vaccinations should I be aware of?

There are two main mandatory vaccines in Singapore: diphtheria and measles. These are compulsory both for locals and foreigners living in Singapore. If your children were not born here, they will need to get the jabs within 12 months after they arrived. Optional vaccines in Singapore include hepatitis A, influenza, rotavirus and varicella. Besides those, children are required to have certain vaccinations before enrolling in primary school. These include BCG (for tuberculosis), pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B.

What’s more, there are additional immunisations that are needed or recommended if you travel abroad. For instance, here is a list of recommended vaccines for countries in Southeast Asia. Be sure to plan your vaccinations in advance as some may require more than one jab and need to be spread out over time.

When do my children need vaccinations?

This is the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule for child vaccinations in Singapore. Many of them need to be done early on, practically once your child is born. For example, diphtheria shots need to be given before the age of one and measles immunisation before the age of two.

How much do they cost?

Similar to hospitalisation, immunisation prices vary depending on your residential status in Singapore and which medical centre (private or public hospital, clinic or GP) you choose to go to. For instance, a measles, mumps and rubella shot for a child costs $20 for a permanent resident, but $40 for a foreigner.

Here are the prices (per dose and before GST) of some of the key vaccinations (compulsory and optional). Note that prices exclude consultation and administration fees.

Will insurance cover them?

Depending on your health insurance plan, you may or may not be able to get your child covered for vaccinations. Generally, most local health insurance policies do not cover vaccinations, but international health insurance plans usually do. Besides checking if your insurance plan covers these shots, also check how much reimbursement you can get.

What if some vaccinations were already done overseas?

If your kids’ vaccinations were done overseas, you can update the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) in Singapore. Just email the following documents to hpb_nir@hpb.gov.sg:

• Child’s Birth Certificate
• Child’s Singapore Citizenship certificate or Dependant Pass / Long Term Visit Pass if child was not born in Singapore
• Both parents’ Singapore NRIC (front and back)
• Both parents’ contact phone number and email address
• Residential and mailing address
• Child’s passport
• Child’s immunisation records in English

Written in collaboration with:
UEX Global
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