Vaccinations play a vital role in safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of infectious diseases. They are designed to introduce certain pathogens similar to those in viruses and bacteria into your body to trigger the immune system to fight them. By receiving vaccines, one can develop immunity to many diseases and even prevent spreading within communities.
Because of how crucial vaccinations are for preventing disease outbreaks, eradicating them, and protecting vulnerable populations, Singapore has established several vaccination programmes to protect the residents of the country and contribute to the well-being of the community. We’ll take a look at some of the key vaccines Singapore is recommending and why you should go get vaccinated.
National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS)
Singapore developed the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule based on scientific research, global best practices and the recommendations of expert medical bodies to ensure that children receive essential vaccinations against various vaccine-preventable diseases at the appropriate age. These vaccines include:
• Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG): Prevents tuberculosis.
• Hepatitis B: Protects against infections caused by the Hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.
• Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (paediatric) and/or Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis: Prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
• Inactivated poliovirus: Prevents all forms of the poliovirus.
• Haemophilus influenzae type b: Prevents infection caused by haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria.
• Pneumococcal conjugate: Prevents infections caused by 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide: Protects against 23 pneumococcal bacteria strains.
• Measles, mumps and rubella: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, all of which can cause rash, fever, and other serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, or arthritis.
• Varicella: Prevents chicken pox.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is most effective when administered between 11 and 12 years of age.
• Influenza: Protects against influenza, commonly known as the flu.
Of the 12 vaccines recommended under the NCIS, two of them: measles and diphtheria, are compulsory for all children.
Many of these vaccines are provided as part of Health Promotion Board’s school-based vaccination programme, and will be administered by healthcare personnel sent to the schools. But, parents may have to bring their children for some other vaccinations in hospitals and clinics instead.
National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS)
The NAIS was established to guide persons aged 18 and above on vaccinations they should go for to protect themselves against certain diseases. The vaccines recommended in the NAIS helps to protect against 11 diseases. The vaccines include:
• Influenza: Prevents the flu. It is recommended that individuals receive the flu jab once annually as flu viruses are constantly evolving and your body’s immunity may decrease.
Learn More: Everything You Need to Know About Flu Jabs
• Pneumococcal conjugate and Pneumococcal polysaccharide: Protects against 13 and 23 strains of the pneumococcal bacteria respectively. Elderly above the age of 65 should receive this vaccine.
• Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis: Protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Adults whose last vaccination was more than 10 years ago, with certain medical conditions, or are unvaccinated should receive this vaccine.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV): Protects against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical cancer—one of the most common cancers in women. There are two vaccines against HPV: cervarix and gardasil 9. The former protects against two subtypes, while the latter protects against nine HPV subtypes.
• Hepatitis B: Protects against infections caused by the Hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver disease.
• Measles, mumps and rubella: Protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Women may suffer from miscarriages or give birth to children with birth defects if infected with rubella during pregnancy.
• Varicella: Protects against chicken pox. Unvaccinated adults above the age of 18, or those without past infection or evidence of immunity should receive two doses.
Vaccinations have a proven track record of success in eradicating and reducing the prevalence of infectious diseases, some of which can be life-threatening. By getting vaccinated, not only are you protecting yourself from potentially dangerous diseases, but also contribute to the collective effort of disease prevention and safeguarding your loved ones from illnesses.
Sunway Medical Centre (Singapore) offers an extensive range of mandatory and optional vaccinations, such as the flu jab and gardasil 9, for adults in Singapore. Get vaccinated with us today.
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