Distinct Healthcare · Child Health Guide

Singapore Children's Vaccination Guide
Birth to Age 14: What Parents Need to Know

Based on official requirements from Singapore's Health Promotion Board (HPB) — mandatory and recommended vaccines by age group, cost differences for citizens/PRs versus foreigners, and where to get vaccinated.

HPB/NCIS official schedule Cost comparison by status 3-location guide for parents
Mar 21, 2026 Mar 21, 2026 22 min read
I
Birth to Age 14: Mandatory Vaccination Schedule (NCIS)
Singapore's two legally mandatory vaccines are Measles and Diphtheria. All other vaccines listed are HPB-recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS). Many vaccines have been combined into single injections to reduce the total number of shots.
At Birth

BCG
Hepatitis B (HepB) Dose 1

MandatoryNCIS
Administered during the hospital stay. BCG prevents tuberculosis — one of Singapore's legally mandatory vaccines.
1 Month

Hepatitis B (HepB) Dose 2

NCIS
Completion of Dose 2 establishes approximately 90% of the primary hepatitis B immune response.
3 Months

5-in-1 vaccine DTaP-IPV-Hib, Dose 1
Pneumococcal vaccine PCV13, Dose 1
Rotavirus vaccine (oral), 1st dose

Incl. MandatoryNCIS
The 5-in-1 vaccine combines pertussis, diphtheria (mandatory), tetanus, polio, and Hib into a single injection, reducing the total number of shots.
4–5 Months

5-in-1 vaccine DTaP-IPV-Hib, Dose 2
PCV13, Dose 2
Hepatitis B (HepB) Dose 3
Rotavirus vaccine (oral), 2nd dose

NCIS
6 Months

PCV13, Dose 3

NCIS
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from 6 months of age. Especially important for children under 5.
12 Months

MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Dose 1
Varicella (Chickenpox), Dose 1

Incl. MandatoryNCIS
Measles vaccination is legally mandatory in Singapore. It must be administered after the child's first birthday to be valid — any earlier doses require catch-up vaccination.
15 Months

MMR, Dose 2
Varicella, Dose 2
PCV13, Dose 4 (Booster)

NCIS
18 Months

5-in-1 DTaP-IPV-Hib, Booster

Incl. MandatoryNCIS
Diphtheria is a legally mandatory vaccine in Singapore. The full series must be completed before school enrolment.
P1

Td (Tetanus/Diphtheria) booster
Oral polio vaccine (OPV) booster

Incl. MandatorySchool Programme
Administered through the MOH school immunisation programme — no separate parental booking required.
P5

Tdap booster
HPV vaccine (female students, 2 doses)

School Programme
HPV vaccine protects against cervical and related cancers. Male students may also receive HPV vaccination privately — consult a doctor for advice.
Sec 1

HPV vaccine (catch-up for female students who missed P5 doses)

School Programme
Students who did not complete the HPV series in Primary 5 may receive catch-up doses at Secondary 1.
Two Legally Mandatory Vaccines — Key Rules:
① Measles (the "M" in MMR) — must be administered after the child's first birthday to be valid. Any dose given before age 1 requires a catch-up injection.
② Diphtheria (contained in DTaP / Td series) — the complete vaccination series must be finished before kindergarten enrolment.
Influenza vaccine: Annual vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months to 5 years. Children over 5 with underlying medical conditions are also advised to receive the influenza vaccine each year. It is not mandatory but is listed under NCIS-recommended vaccinations.
II
Optional Vaccines: Beyond the NCIS Schedule
These vaccines are not mandatory. Parents should consult their doctor and consider the child's health status and environment before deciding.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Prevents acute gastroenteritis (diarrhoea, vomiting) in infants and young children. Recommended to complete the series within 6 months of age. Administered orally — no injection required.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Prevents Hepatitis A, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Recommended for children who frequently dine out or travel to higher-risk regions. Given as 2 doses, 6–12 months apart.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause bacterial meningitis. Suitable for children who regularly attend childcare centres, early learning programmes, or other crowded settings.

III
Citizens / PRs vs Foreigners: How Much Do Costs Differ?
The primary distinction is government subsidies — where you vaccinate directly determines value for money
Factor Polyclinic Government Hospital Paediatrics (KKH, NUH Kids) Private GP Clinic
Citizens / PRs Near free (S$0–5 after HPB subsidy) Slightly higher than Polyclinic; subsidies still apply for citizens/PRs Full subsidy with valid CHAS / HSG card; self-pay without one
Foreign children No subsidy; cost is comparable to private clinics No subsidy; relatively higher cost Fully self-pay; approx. S$30–80 per injection (varies by vaccine)
Wait time Advance booking required; walk-in wait is 2–3 hours Appointment lead time ~1–2 weeks Same-day appointments available; minimal wait
Best for Recommended Citizens / PRs Children with allergies or special health conditions Recommended Foreign children / time-sensitive
When choosing a private GP clinic, look for one registered under the CHAS or Healthier SG (HSG) programmes. These clinics carry HPB-approved vaccines identical to those at government facilities, and citizens/PRs are eligible for the same subsidy rates.
IV
Where to Go: A Complete Guide to 3 Clinic Types
Choose based on your child's residency status. Booking in advance is essential at all locations.

Polyclinic

Best for:Citizens / PRs
Pros:Official HPB vaccine stock; government-regulated pricing; standardised protocols
Note:Advance booking required via HealthHub app or phone; walk-ins face a 2–3 hour wait
Booking:HealthHub app → select "Children's Vaccination" → choose nearest clinic

Government Hospital Paediatrics
(KKH, NUH Kids, etc.)

Best for:Children with allergies or complex health conditions who need specialist oversight
Pros:Experienced paediatric doctors; equipped to manage post-vaccination adverse reactions
Note:Appointment lead time typically 1–2 weeks; slightly higher fees than Polyclinics
Booking:Via hospital website or phone; child's birth certificate or pass required

Private GP Clinic

Best for:Foreign children and parents who need flexibility
Pros:Flexible scheduling (same-day appointments); some offer Mandarin-speaking staff; citizens/PRs may qualify for subsidies with CHAS card
Note:Confirm vaccine stock before visiting; choose a CHAS / HSG-registered clinic where possible

What Happens on the Day: Standard Visit Flow

1
The nurse measures your child's height, weight, and head circumference, recording all data in the Health Booklet.
2
The nurse checks for any recent illness (fever, cough). If the child is unwell, the doctor will decide whether to defer the vaccination.
3
The doctor administers the vaccine. Remain for 15 minutes of observation to monitor for any immediate allergic reactions.
4
The nurse schedules the next appointment on the spot and provides a written vaccination reminder card. No need to track the schedule yourself.
V
Three Practical Reminders for Parents
Answers to the most common questions

What if vaccinations are delayed?

Bring your child's Health Booklet to any clinic. The doctor will create a personalised catch-up schedule based on the child's current age. Doses are administered in sequence — delayed vaccinations do not reduce effectiveness, and there is no need to restart from the beginning.

Is a fever after vaccination normal?

A mild fever (37.5°C–38°C) within 1–2 days of vaccination is a normal immune response. Gentle physical cooling (e.g., tepid sponging) can help. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C or the fever persists beyond 3 days, seek medical attention promptly.

Do I need to track the next appointment?

Regardless of where you vaccinate, the nurse will schedule the next appointment before you leave and provide a written reminder card. Simply bring your child at the scheduled time — no need to cross-reference the immunisation schedule yourself.

VI
Summary: Three Things That Matter Most
Unsure which vaccines your child has missed? Bring the Health Booklet to any clinic — the doctor will verify the records. No need to puzzle over the schedule yourself.

Before Every Vaccination Visit

  • 1
    Follow the NCIS schedule by age group. Prioritise the two legally mandatory vaccines (Measles and Diphtheria), then complete the remaining HPB-recommended doses.
  • 2
    Singapore citizens and PRs save most by vaccinating at a Polyclinic (near-zero cost with HPB subsidies). Foreign children should use private GP clinics for flexibility and shorter waits.
  • 3
    Book 1–2 weeks ahead via the HealthHub app. Bring your child's Health Booklet and valid ID. Stay for 15 minutes of observation after each dose.
Disclaimer & Credits

This article was initially drafted with AI assistance, refined by our editorial team, and finalised following professional review by Distinct Healthcare physicians.

This is original content by Distinct Healthcare, provided for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Vaccination requirements vary by individual health status. For personalised guidance, please consult a qualified paediatrician.

Contact: health_content@distincthealth.com

Produced by: Distinct Healthcare · Health Express Team Editorial: Health Express Editorial Team Medical Review: Distinct Healthcare Physician Team