Adults

Why is there a need for protection?

Adults are at risk of contracting infectious diseases as the immunity from childhood vaccines may wear off over time.¹ You may also be at risk of diseases due to your health condition, job, lifestyle or travel habits.¹

Vaccination is a way to reduce your chances of contracting and spreading diseases.^2,3 If you are taking care of vulnerable individuals like infants, immunocompromised individuals or the elderly, vaccination will not only protect you, but your loved ones as well.

How can i protect myself?

Vaccination

Hepatitis A Vaccine³
• 2 doses for individuals at high risk of infection or severe outcomes^‡

Hepatitis B Vaccine^{3 †}
• 3 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity. If you are considering pregnancy, it is recommended to receive the MMR, varicella and hepatitis B vaccine at least 3 months before pregnancy.⁴
Please refer to the pregnancy page for more information.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV2 or HPV4) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 3 doses for female adults aged 18-26 years who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Influenza (INF) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 1 dose repeated annually or per season for high-risk adults^#

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV13) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 1 dose for adults aged 18-64 years with specific medical condition or indication or adults aged 65 years or older

Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV23) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 1 or 2 doses (depending on indication) for adults aged 18-64 years with specific medical condition or indication
• 1 dose for adults aged 65 years or older

Tetanus, Reduced Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine³
• 1 dose with tetanus booster every 10 years

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine^{3 †}
• 2 doses for adults who have not been previously vaccinated or lack evidence of past infection/ immunity

^† Available vaccines are recommended in the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).⁵ Singaporean adults receive partial subsidies at polyclinics and/or CHAS GP clinics and MediSave can be used to cover the remaining co-payment.^6,7 Under MediSave 500 & Medisave 700, eligible Singaporean can use up to $500 / $700 for approved vaccinations.⁸ Under the Outpatient Flexi-MediSave, patients above 60 can use up to $300 for approved vaccinations.⁸

 

Everyday Protection

It is important to practise good hygiene habits to protect against diseases. Good hygiene habits include:

• Regular handwashing with soap and water⁹
• Using a hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable⁹
• Cleaning surfaces and objects that are touched frequently¹⁰
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick⁹