Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves and our communities from infectious diseases. In Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) provides a structured and comprehensive list of recommended vaccines for children.
Children NCIS vaccinations are designed to protect against serious diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, hepatitis B, and more. However, parents and individuals often wonder: are the vaccines in the NCIS enough? Can we take additional vaccines beyond those listed in the NCIS? Are there benefits to doing so?
Let’s explore what the NCIS vaccination for children includes, the reasons for taking additional vaccines, and how to make informed decisions about protecting yourself and your family.
Understanding the NCIS and Its Role
Children NCIS vaccinations is a government-endorsed vaccination programme that outlines the mandatory and recommended vaccines for children in Singapore. These vaccines are typically administered from birth through the teenage years.
Many of them are subsidised or even fully covered under national health schemes, especially when administered at CHAS GP clinics or polyclinics.
The goal of the NCIS childhood vaccinations is to ensure that all children in Singapore receive a strong foundation of immunity against key infectious diseases. This supports public health efforts by reducing the spread of preventable diseases and maintaining herd immunity within the population.
What Vaccines Are Covered Under NCIS?
As of the latest update, the NCIS covers the following vaccinations for children:
- Hepatitis B
- Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) for tuberculosis
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
- Poliovirus (IPV)
- Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
- Pneumococcal disease
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (chickenpox)
- Influenza (for certain age groups)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for females
These children NCIS vaccinations are typically administered at different intervals based on the child’s age and health status. While this list is comprehensive, it does not include every possible vaccine available on the market.
Why Consider Additional Vaccines?
Despite the robustness of the NCIS, there are situations where additional vaccines may be recommended or beneficial. These include:
1. Travel Requirements
If you or your child are travelling to countries where specific infectious diseases are prevalent, additional vaccines may be advised. Examples include vaccines for yellow fever, typhoid, cholera, or meningitis, depending on the destination.
2. Medical Conditions or Weakened Immunity
Children or adults with specific medical conditions (such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or immunosuppression) may be at higher risk for certain infections. In such cases, additional vaccines, such as the meningococcal or shingles vaccine, may be recommended by your doctor.
3. Outbreak Situations
In the event of outbreaks (e.g. during global pandemics or local disease surges), vaccinations not included in the NCIS may become important for personal protection. For example, the COVID-19 vaccines, which were not part of the NCIS, became essential for public health.
4. Age-Specific Considerations
As children grow older and enter adolescence or adulthood, some vaccines may be necessary or newly indicated, even if they are not part of the original NCIS schedule. For example, booster shots for pertussis or tetanus, or HPV vaccination for males.
5. Enhanced Personal Protection
Some parents and individuals choose additional vaccines to provide extra protection, particularly in group settings such as childcare centres, schools, or for those in caregiving professions. An example would be the rotavirus vaccine, which is not currently on the NCIS but can prevent severe diarrhoeal illness in infants.
Are Additional Vaccines Safe?
Yes, additional vaccines are generally safe when administered by a licensed healthcare provider. All vaccines approved in Singapore are rigorously reviewed by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for safety, efficacy, and quality.
That said, it’s important to consult with a doctor before taking any vaccine outside the standard schedule. The doctor will assess your child’s health status, any allergies, medical history, and current immunisation records to determine what is safe and necessary.
Do Additional Vaccines Have Side Effects?
Like all vaccines, additional ones may have mild side effects such as redness at the injection site, mild fever, or fatigue. These symptoms are usually short-lived. Serious side effects are rare, but you should always inform your doctor of any past reactions to vaccinations before proceeding.
How to Access Additional Vaccines
Additional vaccines can be administered at private GP clinics, paediatric clinics, or specialist travel medicine clinics. Some are available at polyclinics but may not be subsidised unless part of a targeted public health campaign.
Keep in mind that additional vaccines not included in the children NCIS vaccinations may not be covered by subsidy schemes such as CHAS or MediSave unless specified. However, for individuals enrolled in Healthier SG, some preventive services may become more affordable when performed at your enrolled clinic.
How to Decide If You Need Additional Vaccines
Making the decision to take additional vaccines should be based on a careful review of your needs, lifestyle, health risks, and travel plans. Consider the following questions:
- Are you or your child planning to travel to a high-risk country?
- Does your child attend a childcare or school environment with close contact among peers?
- Are there any underlying medical conditions that increase infection risk?
- Are there any current outbreaks in your region?
- Do you work in healthcare, education, or caregiving roles with higher exposure to illness?
If the answer is yes to any of the above, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor about whether additional vaccines are appropriate.
What About Adults?
While this article focuses largely on children NCIS vaccinations, it’s equally important for adults to review their own immunisation status. Adult vaccines such as influenza, tetanus boosters, shingles, pneumococcal, and hepatitis A or B may be recommended depending on your age and risk profile.
Just like with children, adults can take additional vaccines beyond any standard schedule, especially when aiming to protect elderly parents, infants, or immunocompromised loved ones in the household.
The Role of Your Family Clinic
Your GP or family doctor plays a critical role in helping you understand which vaccines are right for you and your family. Beyond simply administering the vaccine, your doctor provides advice, monitors for side effects, and keeps records of your immunisation history for future reference.
A family doctor familiar with your child’s children NCIS vaccinations can provide continuity of care, particularly when you’re considering additional vaccines. This ensures that nothing is missed or duplicated, and all vaccinations are timed correctly for maximum protection.
Conclusion
While the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule provides a strong foundation for disease prevention, there is room, and sometimes a need, to go beyond it. Whether due to travel, underlying health risks, or a desire for enhanced protection, taking additional vaccines outside the NCIS can be a smart and proactive health choice.
Safety is paramount, so always consult with a qualified medical professional before taking additional vaccines. The benefits of broader vaccination go beyond individual health — they contribute to the safety of your community, your family, and our healthcare system as a whole.
Talk to Keystone Clinic & Surgery Today
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we understand that every individual and family has unique healthcare needs. Whether you’re following the NCIS schedule or considering additional vaccines, our experienced team can guide you through your options with professionalism and care.
Schedule a vaccination consultation with Keystone Clinic & Surgery to review your child’s immunisation records, assess the need for additional vaccines, and ensure your family is fully protected. We’re here to help you take the next step toward better preventive care.
References
Cda.gov.sg. Vaccinations. https://www.cda.gov.sg/public/vaccinations
Immunize.org. Ask the Experts: Scheduling Vaccines. https://www.immunize.org/ask-experts/topic/scheduling-vaccines/
Pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. The Implementation and Impact of a Revised National Childhood Immunization Schedule in an Urban Asian Community. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9319496/