As a parent, one of your most important responsibilities is to ensure the health and safety of your children. Vaccinations are a key part of safeguarding your child’s well-being, and in Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) is a comprehensive program designed to protect children from preventable diseases. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the children NCIS vaccinations, their importance, and how they benefit your child’s long-term health.
What are NCIS Vaccinations?
The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) is a set of vaccinations recommended by Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) to protect children from a range of serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. These vaccines are provided free of charge to Singaporean citizens and permanent residents, as part of the country’s public health policy to prevent outbreaks of diseases that can be controlled through immunisation.
NCIS vaccinations are scheduled for various ages, starting from infancy, and are designed to protect children at key stages of development. These vaccines are administered at specific intervals, ensuring that children receive immunity before they are exposed to these diseases.
The Importance of Vaccinating Your Child
Vaccinations play a critical role in protecting not only the individual child but also the broader community. By following the NCIS schedule, parents can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, contributing to herd immunity.
When a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, the spread of disease is limited, which helps protect vulnerable groups who may not be able to receive vaccinations themselves, such as infants, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.
In addition to community protection, vaccines safeguard children from serious health complications that can arise from infectious diseases. Diseases like measles, polio, and whooping cough can lead to hospitalisation, long-term health problems, or even death. NCIS vaccinations reduce the risk of these outcomes significantly.
Key NCIS Vaccinations for Children
The NCIS includes a variety of vaccinations that are administered to children at different stages of their development. Below are some of the key vaccines included in the schedule:
1. Hepatitis B Vaccine
The Hepatitis B vaccine is given shortly after birth and protects against the Hepatitis B virus, which can cause chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. This vaccine is part of the first vaccination series and is typically given within 24 hours of birth.
2. Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTAP) Vaccine
The DTAP vaccine protects children against three serious bacterial infections: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Diphtheria can cause breathing problems and heart failure, tetanus can result in severe muscle stiffness, and pertussis is a contagious respiratory illness that can be particularly dangerous for infants.
3. Polio Vaccine
The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a viral infection that can lead to paralysis or death. The polio vaccine is given as part of the childhood immunisation schedule to prevent the resurgence of this debilitating disease.
4. Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine combines three vaccines into one shot, protecting children against measles, mumps, and rubella. Measles can cause severe complications, including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Mumps can lead to swelling of the salivary glands, and rubella can cause birth defects if contracted by pregnant women.
5. Rotavirus Vaccine
The rotavirus vaccine prevents severe diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotavirus, a leading cause of dehydration and hospitalisation in infants and young children. Vaccinating against rotavirus can significantly reduce the risk of gastroenteritis in young children.
6. Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal disease can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect children from this potentially serious disease. It is recommended for infants to ensure early protection against these infections.
7. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys around the age of 9 to 12. It protects against the human papillomavirus, which can cause cervical and other cancers later in life. The vaccine is most effective when administered before the child is exposed to the virus, making early vaccination crucial.
The NCIS Vaccination Schedule in Singapore
The vaccination schedule in Singapore is carefully designed to ensure that children receive timely protection against these diseases. The vaccines are typically given in a series of doses at various intervals, starting from birth and continuing through early childhood. The schedule includes vaccinations at key milestones, such as:
- At Birth: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin and Hepatitis B
- At 2 Months: DTAP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis (Paediatric), Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV), and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
- At 4 Months: Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV10 or PCV13)
- At 6 Months: DTAP, Hib, IPV (Polio), Pneumococcal, and Influenza (INF)
- At 12 Months: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, Varicella (VAR)
- At 12 to 13 Years: Human Papillomavirus (HPV2 or HPV4)
Parents are encouraged to adhere to the schedule to ensure that their children are fully protected at the appropriate times. It is important to note that the schedule may vary slightly for children with specific health needs or those who missed their vaccination appointments.
Common Myths and Facts about Children NCIS Vaccinations
There are several misconceptions about vaccines that may lead to hesitation in vaccinating children. It is important for parents to understand the facts to make informed decisions about their child’s health.
- Myth: Vaccines can cause the diseases they are meant to prevent.
- Fact: Vaccines are made from weakened or inactivated forms of the disease-causing virus or bacteria. They cannot cause the disease in a healthy child. In fact, vaccines are designed to stimulate the body’s immune system to create a defense against the disease without causing harm.
- Myth: Vaccines are not safe and can cause serious side effects.
- Fact: Vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness before they are approved for use. Serious side effects are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. The common side effects, like mild fever or soreness at the injection site, are temporary and not harmful.
- Myth: Vaccinations are only necessary if there is an outbreak.
- Fact: Vaccines are most effective when they are given before exposure to a disease. Waiting for an outbreak to occur increases the risk of contracting and spreading the disease.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is vital to understand the importance of children NCIS vaccinations and ensure that your child receives all recommended vaccines on time. Vaccinations help protect your child from serious, preventable diseases and contribute to the health of the community as a whole. By following the NCIS vaccination schedule, you are not only safeguarding your child’s health but also helping to build a healthier future for all.
Protect Your Child’s Health with Keystone Clinic & Surgery
At Keystone Clinic & Surgery, we are committed to helping parents navigate the vaccination process and ensure that your child receives the necessary immunisations. If you have any questions about the NCIS vaccination schedule or would like to schedule an appointment for your child’s vaccinations, visit us today.
References
Healthhub.sg. All You Need to Know About Childhood Immunisations. https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/all-you-need-to-know-about-vaccinations
Moh.gov.sg. Nationally Recommended Vaccines. https://www.moh.gov.sg/seeking-healthcare/overview-of-diseases/communicable-diseases/nationally-recommended-vaccines
Nuhsplus.edu.sg. A Quick Guide to Baby and Child Vaccinations. https://nuhsplus.edu.sg/article/a-quick-guide-to-baby-and-child-vaccinations