Protecting Your Baby: Vaccination Guide in Singapore

Protecting Your Baby: Vaccination Guide in Singapore

In Singapore, childhood immunisations are a key part of the national healthcare framework, designed to protect children from serious, potentially life-threatening diseases. Vaccinations work by helping your baby’s immune system build protection early in life, long before they’re exposed to harmful viruses or bacteria. With Singapore’s structured National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), parents can confidently follow a clear roadmap of essential vaccines — all supported by the Ministry of Health and available at little to no cost for eligible citizens.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about baby vaccinations in Singapore — from what’s required and when, to where to go, what to expect, and how to stay on track.


Why Vaccinations Matter

Vaccinations help your baby build immunity against serious infectious diseases. These vaccines contain weakened or inactivated parts of specific germs that teach your child’s immune system to recognize and fight them without actually causing the disease.

Beyond personal protection, vaccinations also create herd immunity — reducing the overall spread of disease and protecting vulnerable groups such as newborns too young to be vaccinated or those with compromised immune systems.

In Singapore, vaccinations against measles and diphtheria are mandatory under the Infectious Diseases Act. The rest, while not legally required, are strongly encouraged and supported through national health initiatives to ensure early and widespread protection.


Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS)

The Ministry of Health (MOH) provides a comprehensive National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). This outlines when your baby should receive each vaccine from birth through early childhood. For Singaporean citizens, these vaccines are fully subsidised at polyclinics and participating CHAS GP clinics.

The NCIS includes vaccines for:

  • At birth: BCG (tuberculosis), Hepatitis B (dose 1)

  • 1–2 months: Hepatitis B (dose 2)

  • 2, 4, and 6 months: DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis), IPV (Polio), Hib, Pneumococcal, Rotavirus*

  • 12 months: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella (Chickenpox), Pneumococcal booster

  • 15–18 months: DTaP/IPV/Hib booster

  • 18 months: Hepatitis B (dose 3)

  • 10–11 years (Primary 5): HPV (for girls), Tdap (booster)

Image: National Childhood Immunisation Schedule Table – Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) Singapore


Notes:

  • Some vaccines such as Rotavirus and Influenza are optional or conditionally recommended, depending on individual health needs.
  • For the most updated schedule, visit the official MOH page or vaccine.gov.sg.


Where to Get Your Baby Vaccinated

Vaccinations can be done at several types of healthcare facilities in Singapore:

  1. Polyclinics
    Singaporean children can receive NCIS vaccinations free at public polyclinics. These clinics are reliable and affordable, though they may have longer wait times.

  2. CHAS and PHPC GP Clinics
    Many private GPs participate in the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), offering subsidised vaccinations for Singaporean children. Always check if the clinic is enrolled in the NCIS programme.


  1. Private Pediatric Clinics
    These offer more flexibility in terms of scheduling and environment. However, they may charge private rates, especially for optional vaccines.


  1. Teleconsultation & Home Vaccination Services
    For parents who prefer convenience or want to avoid clinic visits, several providers offer teleconsultation and home vaccination services. Doctors will come to your home to administer your child’s vaccines safely. Providers include:

    • Doctor Anywhere – Offers home-based vaccination services with a certified nurse or doctor, bookable via their app.

    • WhiteCoat – Provides teleconsultation and home vaccination services for babies and young children.

    • Speedoc – Known for on-demand house calls, including vaccinations for children.

 

Optional & Recommended Vaccines

While the NCIS covers essential immunisations, several optional vaccines may be recommended by pediatricians based on your child’s needs:

  • Rotavirus: Helps prevent severe diarrhoea in infants.

  • Influenza: Strongly recommended annually, especially before flu season.

  • Chickenpox (Varicella): Prevents severe rashes, fever, and complications.

  • Meningococcal: Protects against bacterial meningitis; useful for travel or higher-risk infants.

These vaccines are not subsidised under NCIS but may be payable via MediSave under the MediSave500 scheme. Speak to your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits and risks.


What to Expect Before, During, and After the Appointment

Before the appointment
Ensure your baby is well and rested. It’s fine to delay vaccination slightly if your child has a fever or illness — just consult your doctor.

During the appointment
Vaccines are administered via injection or oral drops. Nurses and doctors will explain each step and answer questions you may have.

According to HealthHub Singapore, it is completely normal for babies to cry for a moment after the injection — and this usually lasts only a few seconds (VaccineGovSG, HealthHub). These tears are a natural response, often tied to brief discomfort at the injection site. In most cases, it quickly passes and is not a cause for concern.

SingHealth’s Post Vaccination Advice notes that irritability or fussiness is a common reaction and advises parents to hold, cuddle, and comfort their baby — breastfeeding or offering a pacifier can help soothe the discomfort.

Here are some ways parents can help:

  • Hold your baby close for skin-to-skin comfort

  • Offer a feeding, pacifier, or favourite soft toy to distract and soothe

  • Keep the atmosphere calm — your presence and reassurance can help reduce distress

Note: Should crying persist for more than three hours, or be accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as high fever or lethargy, parents should seek medical attention promptly.

After the appointment

Most babies experience mild side effects like soreness at the injection site, slight redness or swelling, mild fever, or reduced appetite. These symptoms are usually short-lived and resolve within a couple of days (HealthHub, SingHealth, phoenixmedical.sg). If anything seems unusual—such as fever lasting over two days, persistent inconsolable crying, or reduced activity—consult your healthcare provider right away (SingHealth).

Pro Tip: Use tools like the HealthHub app or CradleNest baby tracker to log and monitor vaccination records. This not only keeps you on schedule but also provides a helpful reference for your child’s health history.

 

Image: Key Vaccinations Diagram for Children in Singapore – SWC Medical Group


How Parents Can Help

  • Hold your baby close for skin-to-skin comfort

  • Offer a feeding, pacifier, or favourite soft toy to distract and soothe

  • Keep the atmosphere calm—your presence and reassurance can help reduce distress

Common Parent Concerns

Q: “Are too many vaccines at once too much for my baby?”
A: No. Scientific studies confirm that babies’ immune systems can handle multiple vaccines at once. Combining vaccines also reduces clinic visits and discomfort.


Q: “What if my baby misses a vaccine?”
A: You can catch up! Clinics can provide a revised vaccination plan based on your child’s age and health status.


Q: “Can my baby have vaccines if born prematurely or with allergies?”
A: In most cases, yes—but your pediatrician will provide guidance tailored to your child’s condition.


Q: “Are vaccines safe?”
A: Yes. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and approval by health authorities in Singapore and internationally. Side effects are generally minor and far outweighed by the benefits.


Staying Protected with Vaccinations

Vaccinating your baby on time is one of the most powerful ways to protect their health and that of those around them. With Singapore’s robust NCIS system, transparent guidelines, and strong healthcare infrastructure, the process is well-supported and parent-friendly.

Whether you're following the standard immunisation schedule or exploring additional recommended vaccines, staying informed and proactive is key. Tools like HealthHub and parenting apps such as CradleNest can help you keep track of your child’s health journey right from the start. At CradleNest, we offer a supportive community and reliable resources to guide you every step of the way — because no parent should have to navigate this alone. Download the CradleNest app to join us, and follow us on Instagram (@cradlenestsg) for updates, tips, and a peek into our growing community.


This article was informed by resources from the following: