Distinct Healthcare · Child Health Guide

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

Based on Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) — recommended vaccines by age group, including the measles and diphtheria vaccinations that are compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act, plus practical information on vaccination costs and access.

Current NCIS schedule Cost comparison by status 3-location guide for parents
Mar 21, 2026 Mar 21, 2026 22 min read
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National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS): Vaccinations by Age
Singapore's two legally mandatory vaccines are Measles and Diphtheria. All other vaccines listed are 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 — Dose 1
Hepatitis B (HepB) — Dose 1

NCIS
BCG helps protect against tuberculosis and is included in Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS).
2 Months

Hepatitis B (HepB) — Dose 2
DTaP — Dose 1
IPV — Dose 1
Hib — Dose 1

NCIS
HepB Dose 2 is recommended to be given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine at 2 months.
4 Months

DTaP — Dose 2
IPV — Dose 2
Hib — Dose 2
PCV13 — Dose 1

NCIS
6 Months

Hepatitis B (HepB) — Dose 3
DTaP — Dose 3
IPV — Dose 3
Hib — Dose 3
PCV13 — Dose 2

NCIS
HepB Dose 3 is recommended to be given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine at 6 months.
Influenza vaccination is recommended annually or each season for all children aged 6–59 months. For children and adolescents aged 5–17 years, it is recommended for those with a specific medical condition or indication.
12 Months

PCV13 — Booster 1
MMR — Dose 1
Varicella — Dose 1

NCIS
Measles vaccination is compulsory for children in Singapore under the Infectious Diseases Act. The NCIS recommends MMR vaccination at 12 months and 15 months.
15 Months

MMR — Dose 2
Varicella — Dose 2

NCIS
18 Months

DTaP — Booster 1
IPV — Booster 1
Hib — Booster 1

NCIS
Diphtheria vaccination is compulsory for children in Singapore under the Infectious Diseases Act. Primary and booster doses should follow the current NCIS.
Primary 5 / 10–11 Years

Tdap — Booster 2
IPV — Booster 2

School Programme
Administered through the school-based vaccination programme.
Secondary 1 / 12–13 Years

HPV2 — Dose 1 (Females)

School Programme
Secondary 2 / 13–14 Years

HPV2 — Dose 2 (Females)

School Programme
MMR catch-up vaccination may also be provided through the school-based vaccination programme for children who have not completed the recommended MMR doses.
Two Compulsory Childhood Vaccinations in Singapore:
① Measles — vaccination is compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act.
② Diphtheria — vaccination is compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act.
Influenza vaccine: Influenza vaccination is included in the NCIS. Annual vaccination or vaccination each season is recommended for all children aged 6–59 months. For children and adolescents aged 5–17 years, annual or seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for those with a specific medical condition or indication.
Additional NCIS Recommendation for Specific Medical Conditions
PPSV23 may be recommended for children and adolescents aged 2–17 years with specific medical conditions or indications. Depending on the indication, one or two doses may be recommended. Parents should discuss eligibility and timing with their doctor.
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Vaccines Not Included in the Current NCIS
The following vaccines are not included in Singapore's current NCIS. Whether they are appropriate may depend on age, health status, travel plans and individual risk factors; discuss this with your doctor.

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.

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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 Eligible SC and PR children may receive up to full subsidies for nationally recommended childhood vaccinations at polyclinics, subject to eligibility. 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
Participating CHAS GP clinics can provide nationally recommended childhood vaccinations. Eligible Singapore Citizen children can receive full subsidies for vaccines covered under the MOH Subsidised Vaccine List, subject to eligibility and vaccine availability.
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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:Nationally recommended childhood vaccinations are available with applicable government subsidies; eligible SC and PR children may receive up to full subsidies.
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.
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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.

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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 current NCIS schedule. Measles and diphtheria vaccinations are compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act; the other NCIS vaccinations are nationally recommended.
  • 2
    Singapore citizens and PRs save most by vaccinating at a Polyclinic (government subsidies are available for eligible children, with subsidy levels depending on eligibility and care setting). 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