Children &
Adolescents

Why is there a need for protection?

On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential to provide immunity before children are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases.¹ This is likely as children begin schooling and are exposed to group settings. The Infectious Diseases Act requires every child in Singapore to be vaccinated against diphtheria and measles.²

As protection from childhood vaccines wears off, adolescents need additional vaccines to extend protection.³ Adolescents need protection from additional infections as well, before the risk of exposure increases.³

How can i protect myself?

Vaccination

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Acellular Pertussis (paediatric) Vaccine (DTaP)^{4 Ɨ}
• 3 doses given at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively
• 1 booster given at 18 months

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 3 doses given at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively
• 1 booster given at 18 months

Human Papillomavirus (HPV2 or HPV4) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 2 doses given for females at 12-13 and 13-14 years respectively

Inactivated Poliovirus (IPV) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 3 doses given at 2, 4 and 6 months respectively
• 2 boosters given at 18 months and 10-11 years respectively

Influenza (INF) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• Annual vaccination or per season for all children age 6 months to <5 years (6-59 months)
• Annual vaccination or per season for children and adolescents age 5-17 years with specific medical condition or indication

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 2 doses given at 12 and 15 months respectively
• Only the dose 2 is recommended to be given as part of the MMRV vaccine

Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV10 or PCV13) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 2 doses given at 4 and 6 months respectively
• 1 booster given at 12 months

Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 1 or 2 doses for children and adolescents age 2-17 years with specific medical condition or indication

Tetanus, Reduced Diphtheria and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 1 booster given between 10-11 years

Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine^{4 Ɨ}
• 2 doses given at 12 and 15 months respectively

 

Everyday Protection

Aside from vaccinations, it is important to teach your children good hygiene habits to protect themselves from germs and diseases. Good hygiene habits include:⁵

• Regular and thorough handwashing with soap and water
• Covering nose and mouth with tissue during coughing/ sneezing
• Using a serving spoon when sharing food from a common plate
• Wearing masks and changing it every 8 hours/ when it becomes moist

 

^Ɨ Available vaccines are recommended in the National Children Immunisation Schedule (NCIS).⁴ These vaccinations are fully or partially subsidized for eligible Singaporean Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs) at polyclinics and/or CHAS GP clinics.^6,7