Vaccines protect against diseases that can hospitalise or kill infants and young children. In Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) sets out which shots your child needs and when.
Here are the vaccines on the schedule, what each one prevents, and how to prepare for appointment day.
How Vaccines Train Immunity Before Exposure
Immunisation prepares the body to recognise germs without causing the full disease. That early protection matters most in infancy, when infections hit hardest.
Some vaccine-preventable illnesses still require hospital care or cause lasting harm. Vaccines are among the most effective tools parents have.
Safety Testing and Typical Side Effects
Childhood vaccines pass rigorous safety review before approval. Most reactions are mild: soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or fussiness for a day or two.
Serious reactions are rare. The disease risk without vaccination is usually far greater than vaccine risk for healthy children.
When Vaccination Starts (Singapore NCIS)
Babies often receive Hep B and BCG in hospital shortly after birth. After discharge, your paediatrician walks through the full NCIS timeline.
Birth
Hep B (Hepatitis B) 1st dose and BCG (bacillus Calmette-Guerin)
2 Months
Hep B 2nd dose
Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis-polio (DTP-Polio), Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) 1st dose
4 Months
DTP-polio, Hib 2nd dose
Pneumococcal 1st dose
6 Months
Hep B 3rd dose
DTP-polio, Hib 3rd dose
12 Months
Pneumococcal 1st Booster
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella 1st dose
15 Months
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella 2nd dose
18 Months
DTP-polio, Hib 1st booster
6 Months to 59 Months
Influenza (yearly)
Compulsory vs Recommended Vaccines in Singapore
All children follow the NCIS. Measles and diphtheria vaccination is compulsory under the Infectious Diseases Act and required for school enrolment.
MOH also strongly recommends hepatitis B, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal, polio, rubella, and tetanus based on local disease burden and vaccine evidence.
Combination vaccines (5-in-1, 6-in-1, MMRV) mean fewer injections per visit.
Combination vaccines at a glance
- 5-in-1: DPT, polio, and Hib
- 6-in-1: DPT, polio, Hib, and hepatitis B
- MMRV: Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox)
When Doctors May Delay a Shot
High fever on appointment day or a past serious reaction to a specific vaccine warrants a conversation with your doctor first.
Children with weakened immunity may skip live vaccines such as MMR until cleared by a specialist.
Diseases the NCIS Covers
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria
- Tetanus
- Pertussis (Whooping cough)
- Poliomyelitis (Polio)
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Pneumococcal infection
- Chickenpox (Varicella)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Human Papillomavirus
Side Effects Parents Actually See
Crying right after the injection is normal. Common follow-ups include soreness, mild fever, headache, or fussiness for a few days.
Severe allergic reactions and seizures are very rare. Clinics monitor children after shots when required.
Benefits of preventing measles, meningitis, or polio outweigh short-term discomfort for nearly all children.
Ask your clinician about each vaccine before the visit if you have specific concerns.
What Happens at the Appointment
The provider administers injections or oral doses, explains what each vaccine prevents, and documents the dose in your child's health booklet.
Mild discomfort afterward is expected and usually fades within days.
Comforting Your Child Before and After
Hold, distract, or breastfeed infants during shots when clinic policy allows. A calm parent helps more than forced stillness.
Cool compresses or gentle massage at the injection site ease soreness. Watch for unusual reactions and call your healthcare provider if anything worries you.
Paying for Vaccines in Singapore
NCIS subsidies cover recommended childhood vaccines for eligible citizens and PRs at polyclinics and CHAS clinics (rates vary by vaccine and setting).
Medisave may fund qualifying vaccinations. Check CPF or your clinic for limits.
Confirm costs and subsidies at booking. MOH and the National Immunisation Registry publish updates when schedules change.
Next Steps for Parents
Review the full NCIS with your clinician before each visit. Keep the health booklet updated and check digital records via the National Immunisation Registry.
Prepare with 4 tips when visiting a paediatrician. Post-vaccine fever is usually mild; call your paediatrician if symptoms seem unusual.
