Singapore Immunisation Schedule: What Parents Must Know About Protecting Your Child's Health

Table Of Contents

• Understanding Singapore's Immunisation Schedule

• Essential Vaccinations for Your Child's First Two Years

• Pre-school Immunisations: Ages 2-6

• School-Age Vaccinations

• Optional Vaccines to Consider

• Managing Vaccination Appointments and Records

• Common Concerns About Childhood Vaccinations

• How Preschools Support Immunisation Requirements

Singapore Immunisation Schedule: What Parents Must Know About Protecting Your Child's Health

As parents, we're entrusted with the precious responsibility of safeguarding our children's health and well-being. Among the most important decisions we make is following the recommended immunisation schedule—a cornerstone of preventive healthcare that protects not only our own children but also creates a shield of protection for our entire community.

In Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule provides a carefully designed roadmap for protecting children against preventable diseases. Understanding this schedule is essential for all parents committed to giving their children the healthiest possible start in life.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through Singapore's immunisation schedule, explaining the timing and importance of each vaccination, addressing common concerns, and providing practical advice for managing your child's vaccination journey. As we nurture our children's growth in body, mind, and spirit, ensuring they receive proper immunisation is one way we can be faithful stewards of the precious lives entrusted to us.

Understanding Singapore's Immunisation Schedule

Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule is developed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) based on scientific evidence and recommendations from medical experts. It outlines which vaccines children should receive and at what ages to provide optimal protection against preventable diseases.

The schedule is periodically updated to incorporate the latest medical research and health recommendations. The most recent updates ensure that children in Singapore receive comprehensive protection against diseases that once caused significant illness, disability, and even death.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act, certain vaccinations are mandatory for all children living in Singapore. These include:

• Diphtheria

• Measles

While other vaccinations on the schedule are strongly recommended but not legally required, following the complete schedule provides your child with the best protection against preventable diseases.

Essential Vaccinations for Your Child's First Two Years

The first two years of life are a critical period for building your child's immunity. During this time, your little one will receive several important vaccinations:

Birth

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Protects against tuberculosis

• Hepatitis B - 1st dose: Prevents hepatitis B infection, which can lead to liver disease

1 Month

• Hepatitis B - 2nd dose: Continues building protection against hepatitis B

2 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB: A 6-in-1 combination vaccine that protects against:

• Diphtheria

• Tetanus

• Pertussis (whooping cough)

• Polio

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

• Hepatitis B

• PCV13: Protects against pneumococcal disease

4 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB: Second dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine

• PCV13: Second dose of pneumococcal vaccine

6 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB: Third dose of the 6-in-1 vaccine

12 Months

• MMR: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella

• PCV13: Third dose of pneumococcal vaccine

15 Months

• Varicella: Protects against chickenpox

18 Months

• DTaP-IPV-Hib: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Hib (without the hepatitis B component)

• MMR: Second dose of measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine

• Hepatitis B - 3rd dose: Completes the hepatitis B series

These early vaccinations are crucial for protecting your child when they are most vulnerable. The timing of these vaccines is carefully determined to provide protection when your child needs it most, while accounting for the development of their immune system.

Pre-school Immunisations: Ages 2-6

As your child grows and begins their educational journey, additional vaccinations help maintain and strengthen their immunity:

4-5 Years

• DTaP-IPV: Booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio

• MMR: Catch-up dose (if not previously given)

These boosters are particularly important as your child enters preschool and is exposed to more children and potential illnesses. At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we understand the importance of these immunisations in maintaining a healthy learning environment for all children in our 19 Preschools islandwide.

Our holistic approach to early childhood education recognizes that physical health forms an essential foundation for learning and development. While we focus on nurturing your child's intellectual, social, and spiritual growth through our Curriculum, we also appreciate the importance of good health practices—including following the recommended immunisation schedule.

School-Age Vaccinations

As children move into primary school, the immunisation schedule continues with important boosters:

10-11 Years (Primary 5)

• Tdap: Booster for tetanus, reduced-dose diphtheria, and acellular pertussis

• HPV: Human papillomavirus vaccine (two doses, 6 months apart) for both boys and girls

The HPV vaccine is a relatively newer addition to the national schedule and helps protect against certain cancers and diseases caused by human papillomavirus infection. This vaccination is typically administered through the school-based health programme.

Optional Vaccines to Consider

Beyond the national immunisation schedule, there are several optional vaccines parents might consider for additional protection:

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended annually for children 6 months and older, especially for those with chronic medical conditions. Unlike many other vaccinations that provide long-lasting immunity, the flu vaccine needs yearly updating due to changing virus strains.

Rotavirus Vaccine

This oral vaccine protects against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in infants and young children. It's typically given in 2-3 doses starting at 6-8 weeks of age.

Meningococcal Vaccine

Protects against meningococcal disease, which can cause severe infections of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or bloodstream infections (septicemia).

Hepatitis A Vaccine

This vaccine protects against hepatitis A virus, which affects the liver. It's usually given in two doses, 6-18 months apart.

When considering optional vaccines, it's important to consult with your child's pediatrician to make decisions based on your child's specific health needs and risk factors.

Managing Vaccination Appointments and Records

Keeping track of your child's immunisations is an important part of parental responsibility. Here are some practical tips:

Scheduling Appointments

• Mark vaccination dates on your calendar well in advance

• Set reminders on your phone for upcoming appointments

• Try to schedule appointments for the beginning of the week, giving your child time to recover from any mild side effects before the weekend

Keeping Records

• The Health Booklet (also known as the "Child Health Booklet" or "Baby Book") provided at birth is the main record for your child's vaccinations

• Keep this document in a safe place and bring it to every doctor's visit

• Take photos of updated vaccination records as a digital backup

• Check your HealthHub account for digital records of vaccinations given at polyclinics or public healthcare institutions

Preparing Your Child

For younger children: - Maintain a calm, positive attitude—children can sense your anxiety - Bring a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment - Plan a small treat or special activity afterward

For older children: - Explain honestly what will happen and why it's important - Acknowledge that it might hurt briefly but will help keep them healthy - Allow them to ask questions and express concerns

Common Concerns About Childhood Vaccinations

As parents, it's natural to have questions about vaccines. Here are evidence-based responses to some common concerns:

Are multiple vaccines at once too much for a child's system?

Children's immune systems encounter and respond to thousands of foreign substances daily. Vaccines contain only a tiny fraction of the antigens children naturally encounter in their environment. Scientific evidence confirms that receiving multiple vaccines according to the recommended schedule is safe.

What about vaccine side effects?

Most vaccine side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or fussiness. Serious adverse reactions are extremely rare. The protection vaccines provide against dangerous diseases far outweighs the small risk of side effects.

Do vaccines cause autism?

Extensive scientific research has found no link between vaccines and autism. This concern originated from a single, small study that has since been retracted and discredited. Numerous large-scale studies involving millions of children have found no connection.

What if my child has allergies?

If your child has severe allergies or has had a previous reaction to a vaccine, discuss this with your doctor. In most cases, vaccinations can still be given safely, perhaps with additional precautions or modified schedules.

What if we miss a scheduled vaccine?

If your child misses a scheduled vaccine, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Most vaccines can be given as part of a "catch-up" schedule. It's rarely necessary to restart a vaccine series, even if a considerable amount of time has passed.

Whenever you have concerns about vaccinations, the best approach is to discuss them with your child's doctor, who can provide personalized advice based on your child's specific health situation.

How Preschools Support Immunisation Requirements

At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we partner with parents in promoting children's health and well-being. While we respect that medical decisions rest with parents and their healthcare providers, we also recognize our role in supporting public health initiatives.

Here's how we support immunisation efforts:

Documentation Requirements

Upon enrollment, we request copies of your child's immunisation records to ensure we have accurate health information for each child in our care. This helps us maintain awareness of any special health considerations.

Health Notifications

We keep parents informed about any vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in our community and provide reminders about the importance of following the recommended immunisation schedule.

Creating Healthy Environments

Our preschools maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene practices to minimize the spread of illnesses. These practices complement the protection provided by immunisations.

Parent Education

We share resources with parents about childhood health topics, including immunisations, through our communications channels. While we don't currently hold formal parent workshops, we're always available to connect families with reliable health information.

At Little Olive Tree, our approach to health and wellness aligns with our broader mission of nurturing children in truth, beauty, and goodness. Just as we care for children's hearts and minds, we also value the protection of their physical health through preventive measures like immunisations.

Nurturing Health as an Act of Care and Stewardship

Following the recommended immunisation schedule is one of the most significant ways parents can protect their children's health. These vaccines, developed through decades of scientific research and refinement, have dramatically reduced the incidence of diseases that once caused widespread suffering.

As we care for our children at Little Olive Tree Preschool, we recognize that physical health forms an essential foundation for all other aspects of development. A child who is protected from preventable illnesses is better able to learn, play, and grow in all dimensions—intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

Immunising your child is not only an act of care for your own family but also contributes to community protection. When enough children are vaccinated, we create what medical experts call "herd immunity"—a shield that helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to age or medical conditions.

As you navigate the journey of parenthood and make important health decisions for your child, we encourage you to work closely with your pediatrician or family doctor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your child's specific health needs and address any questions or concerns you may have about the immunisation schedule.

At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we stand ready to support you in raising healthy, thriving children who can fully embrace all the learning experiences we offer through our Curriculum. Together, we can nurture the next generation to grow like olive trees—strong, fruitful, and flourishing in every way.

Partner With Us in Your Child's Journey

At Little Olive Tree Preschool, we believe in partnering with parents to provide the best care and education for your child. Our holistic approach nurtures not just academic learning but the development of the whole child—body, mind, and spirit.

If you're exploring preschool options and want to learn more about how we can support your child's growth and development in a nurturing, values-based environment, we'd love to connect with you.

Register your interest today to learn more about our preschools and curriculum, or to schedule a visit to one of our 19 locations across Singapore.

Let's work together to help your child flourish and grow strong like an olive tree—deeply rooted and reaching for the sky.

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Little Olive Tree aims to shape Singapore's future by investing in its youngest generation. Through holistic early education and close partnership with families, we nurture resilient, values-driven children who will one day make a positive difference in society.

This content is for informational purposes only. For the most current information about our programs and services, please contact us at hello@lot.edu.sg or Whatsapp us at 80353772.