Vaccinations 101 for Singapore parents!

Trying to decide which vaccinations your child needs can be overwhelming for parents, especially if you’re new to Singapore. Here, paediatrician DR MISA NODA from Petite Practice tells us more about the Singapore childhood immunisation schedule and shares her views on childhood vaccinations.

A paediatrician’s thoughts on childhood vaccinations in Singapore

We live in interesting times; we hear news about vaccination recommendations being reduced in the US, while at the same time new vaccines against other viruses are being developed and recommended for protection. I imagine that this situation must be extra confusing for parents.

As paediatricians, we advocate for child health, and we recommend vaccinations to protect children from common preventable infections. We have seen and treated sick children whose serious infections, in our opinion, could have either been prevented or been less serious had they been vaccinated. Thanks to vaccinations, there has been a significant reduction in many serious infectious diseases. These include measles, chickenpox and pneumococcal infection, to name a few. Young children are particularly susceptible, naturally due to their developing immunity. Vaccinations train their immunity to recognise and fight off infections.

Unfortunately, even with the numerous vaccines available, not all vaccines can be given at the most vulnerable age. Additionally, not all strains and variants of the different bacteria and viruses are preventable. Still, herd immunity helps minimise the spread of serious infections to high-risk younger children, while preparing our communities for unexpected outbreaks.

Vaccinations that are legally required in Singapore

In Singapore, diphtheria and measles vaccinations are mandated by law for all children by the Infectious Diseases Act, including foreign-born children. There are also vaccinations required for primary school registration. These are included in the Singapore childhood immunisation schedule (NCIS): BCG, DPT, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps and rubella, and hepatitis B.

Where to get your child vaccinated

Vaccinations can be received at polyclinics, general practitioner (GP) clinics and paediatric clinics. Singapore citizens and PRs are eligible for subsidy when receiving recommended childhood immunisation schedule (NCIS) vaccinations at polyclinics and Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) GP clinics.

At Petite Practice, we offer all NCIS vaccines, newer broader strain cover PCV vaccine options (Vaxneuvance and Prevenar20), and commonly required vaccines in your home countries. The advantage of going to a paediatrician such as ours for vaccinations is that your immunisation schedule can be customised to fit your home country’s vaccination schedule. We will help you plan your child’s vaccinations for optimum protection regardless of where you may be located.

Furthermore, during your vaccination visits, our paediatricians you are most familiar with will regularly perform thorough developmental and growth assessments in the ample time reserved for each appointment slot, and follow up accordingly.

New vaccines worth knowing about

An RSV vaccine for infants called Beyfortus (Nirsevimab) has recently been made available in Singapore. RSV is notorious for causing breathlessness and wheezing in infants. Since its introduction to infants during the RSV season in Europe and the US, a significant reduction in hospitalisation rates due to RSV bronchiolitis was observed. Beyfortus is available for administration at our clinic upon request.

Another new development is the availability of intranasal influenza vaccine, Flumist, for children above the age of two. It has been proven to have the same efficacy as the injection form of seasonal influenza vaccine, but without the pain.

About the paediatrician

Dr Misa Noda is a consultant paediatrician specialising in paediatric and adolescent medicine. Her expertise includes childhood immunisations, developmental assessments, nutrition and growth and adolescent care. She is fluent in English and Japanese.

Petite Practice
467C Joo Chiat Road
6233 2191 | WhatsApp 8096 2191
enquiries@petitepractice.com | petitepractice.com

This article on Petite Practice, vaccinations in Singapore and the childhood immunisation schedule first appeared in the March 2026 issue of Expat Living magazine. You can buy the latest issue or an annual subscription, or read the digital version for free now.

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