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National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS)

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Image source: HPB​

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Vaccinations are very important. They protect your baby against infections that may lead to serious health complications, disability or even death.

Some vaccines provide lifelong immunity upon completion of the full course. Other vaccines have to be given again later in life to maintain your child’s immunity to the disease. This top-up dose is called a booster.

Most babies are fit for vaccinations. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns or doubts.

Some babies may experience minor side effects after vaccination. These include mild fever, mild swelling or soreness at injection site.

Singapore has a National Childhood Immunisation Schedule to give your child the best possible protection from serious infections. It is important that you ensure that your child is immunised according to the recommended schedule.

Note:
Under the Infectious Diseases Act it is compulsory for parents and guardians to have their child vaccinated against diphtheria and measles.

National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) 
The vaccinations recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) protects the child against diseases that may lead to serious health complications. They include:

  1. Tuberculosis (TB) (BCG)
    TB is an infection which is well-known for affecting the lungs, but can also result in severe complications such as brain infection (meningitis) or blood infection (septicaemia) The Bacillus Calmette-Guerin or BCG Vaccine is given to children at birth to prevent these severe complications.
  2. Hepatitis B
    This is a serious viral liver infection that spreads by direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of a carrier. Your baby’s first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine will be given soon after birth. In all, there are three doses to take.
  3. Diphtheria
    This is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the throat. In more serious cases, it can affect the heart and nerves and block the breathing passage. Diphtheria is very contagious and potentially life threatening.
  4. Tetanus
    Also known as lockjaw, this affects the body’s muscles and nerves. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal.
  5. Pertussis (Whooping cough)
    This is very contagious and can cause serious illness in infants and children. It can lead to pneumonia (lung infection) and brain damage.
  6. Poliomyelitis (Polio) (IPV)
    Often called Polio, this can lead to paralysed and deformed arms or legs.
  7. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
    Hib is a bacterium that causes meningitis and acute respiratory infections, mainly in infants and children under five years of age. It is frequently associated with severe complications of the brain and spinal cord. It is also a major cause of pneumonia in children. The bacterium is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets during coughing or sneezing.
  8. Measles
    A highly contagious viral infection that affects the body’s breathing system. It usually starts with high fever and causes a rash. Lung infection, deafness and brain damage can occur. It is spread through coughing and sneezing and through touching contaminated surfaces. Most people recover completely but some people can get very ill especially if complications arise.
  9. Mumps
    A common childhood viral infection that may affect the salivary glands. It is contagious 1-2 days before symptoms appear until 1 -2 days after they disappear. A serious case of mumps can lead to brain infection, deafness and sterility.
  10. Rubella
    Also known as German measles, this is usually mild when it affects children. A rash may appear. Your child should stay at home while sick for up to a week after the rash disappears. Expectant women if affected during early pregnancy may give birth to deaf, blind or mentally retarded babies.
  11. Pneumococcal infection
    This disease is common in children under 2 years and the elderly. It can lead to chest, ear and brain infections, which can be potentially fatal.
  12. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
    The major cause of cervical cancer is a virus called the human papillomavirus. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can infect the cervix, causing the cells to change. In most of the infection cases, the virus clears by itself and the cells return to normal. However, in some cases, the infection can persist and cause the cells to grow in an abnormal way, developing into cervical cancer.
  13. Varicella (Chickenpox)
    Varicella or chickenpox is highly contagious and presents itself with a fever and small, red, and itchy blisters on the body and face. Its effects are usually mild in children but are often more serious in adults. While usually harmless, it may cause serious complications or even death in immunocompromised people such as newborns, chemotherapy or AIDS patients. Chickenpox may also cause stillbirths or birth defects in pregnant women. Immunity against chickenpox is lifelong but adults may develop another condition called shingles at a later stage,
  14. Influenza
    Influenza, commonly known as the "flu", is a contagious disease that can affect anyone including healthy people. It attacks the respiratory tract in humans (nose, throat, and lungs), causing inflammation of the mucous membranes.


Combination vaccines*
These newer childhood vaccine formulations combine vaccines against four, five or six diseases into a single injection. These combination vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective. With the introduction of these vaccines, your child can be protected without the anxiety of multiple injections.
With effect from 1 November 2020, all vaccinations recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), including combination vaccines such as the 6-in-1 and MMRV will be fully subsidised for Singaporean children at the polyclinics. The enhanced subsidies will also cover other vaccines including the varicella (chickenpox), influenza and pneumococcal. Please speak to your doctor for more information.

Optional vaccines
There are also optional vaccines for your baby. Some of the common optional vaccines that you may want to consider giving to your baby are: Rotavirus, Hepatitis A and Meningococcal. It is best that you discuss the need for these vaccines with your doctor and make a decision on whether it would benefit your baby. Bring along your baby’s Health Booklet during the clinic visit to record the vaccinations given.

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Sources: HPB, https://www.healthhub.sg/live-healthy/1196/baby-immunisation-inject-to-protect, https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/103/topics_influenza