The Complete Guide to Childhood Vaccinations in Singapore (2026)

Every parent in Singapore faces the same moment: you’re handed a Child Health Booklet at the hospital and suddenly there’s a schedule to follow, dates to remember, and decisions to make. Some of those decisions start within 24 hours of birth.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), what’s subsidised and what isn’t, how Baby Bonus and CHAS work at GP clinics, and how childhood developmental screening fits alongside your baby’s vaccination appointments.

Understanding Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS)

What is NCIS and Why It Matters

The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) is the set of vaccinations recommended as the standard of care for children in Singapore. It is developed and regularly reviewed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in consultation with the Expert Committee on Immunisation (ECI).

The schedule is not static. MOH revises it periodically based on local disease burden, vaccine safety data, efficacy evidence, and cost-effectiveness assessments. This means the vaccines your older child received may differ from what is currently recommended for a newborn today.

The NCIS currently covers vaccinations against 14 diseases:

• Tuberculosis
• Hepatitis B
• Diphtheria
• Tetanus
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Poliovirus
• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Measles
• Mumps
• Rubella
• Varicella (chickenpox)
• Pneumococcal disease
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza

Two of these are compulsory under Singapore’s Infectious Diseases Act: vaccination against measles and diphtheria. All others are strongly recommended but not legally mandated.

Who Qualifies for Subsidies NCIS Vaccinations

Singapore Citizen (SC) children who meet the criteria for vaccination under the NCIS are eligible for full subsidies at CHAS GP clinics. This means the co-payment at a CHAS-accredited GP clinic is $0 for all nationally recommended vaccinations on the Subsidised Vaccine List.

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The subsidy structure was last updated on 1 September 2025. As MOH periodically revises these rates, confirm current co-payment fees with your GP clinic before each visit.

NCIS vs. Optional (Private) Vaccinations

Beyond the NCIS, there is a separate category of optional vaccinations. These are vaccines not included in the national schedule but still available and recommended by doctors for additional protection. They include rotavirus and hepatitis A.

Optional vaccines are not subsidised under the NCIS. They are paid out of pocket, though some can be funded through Baby Bonus or CHAS depending on eligibility.

The distinction matters because many parents assume all childhood vaccines are free. That is only true for vaccines on the NCIS Subsidised Vaccine List for SC children at CHAS GP clinics.

How to Access NCIS at Lion Health Clinics

Lion Health Clinic is a registered NCIS provider. All vaccinations under the NCIS schedule are fully subsidised for Singapore Citizen children at Lion Health’s two clinic locations: Boon Keng and Yishun.

Complete NCIS Vaccination Schedule by Age

Birth: BCG and Hepatitis B Dose 1

Within the first 24 hours of life, your newborn receives two vaccinations at the hospital maternity ward.

BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Protects against tuberculosis (TB). Given as a single injection at birth.

Hepatitis B, Dose 1 (HepB D1): Hepatitis B can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery, so early vaccination is critical. Given at birth alongside BCG.

2 Months: Combination Vaccines Begin

At 2 months, the primary vaccination series starts in earnest. Your baby receives:

DTaP, Dose 1: Covers diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (whooping cough).

IPV, Dose 1: Inactivated poliovirus vaccine.

Hib, Dose 1: Haemophilus influenzae type b.

HepB, Dose 2: The second hepatitis B dose. Doses 2 and 3 of HepB are recommended to be given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine at 2 and 6 months respectively.

These four vaccines are commonly combined into a single 6-in-1 injection (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB), reducing the number of injections at each visit.

4 Months: Second Round of Primary Doses

DTaP, Dose 2 IPV, Dose 2 Hib, Dose 2 PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine), Dose 1: Protects against pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections in young children.

6 Months: Completing the Primary Series

DTaP, Dose 3 IPV, Dose 3 Hib, Dose 3 HepB, Dose 3: The third and final hepatitis B primary dose. PCV, Dose 2

By 6 months, your child has completed the primary series for seven vaccine-preventable diseases. The appointments that follow are booster doses to reinforce that immunity.

12 Months: MMR, Varicella, and PCV Booster

MMR, Dose 1 (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Given at 12 months.

Varicella (VAR), Dose 1: The chickenpox vaccine is given separately from MMR at the first dose. Only the second dose of MMR is recommended to be given as part of the combined MMRV vaccine.

PCV, Booster 1: The first booster for pneumococcal disease protection.

15 Months: MMR and Varicella Boosters

MMR, Dose 2: Given at 15 months. This dose may be administered as the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella combined), which covers the varicella booster in the same injection.

Varicella (VAR), Dose 2: Given at 15 months, either separately or as part of the MMRV combination.

18 Months: DTaP, IPV, and Hib Boosters

DTaP, Booster 1 IPV, Booster 1 Hib, Booster 1

These booster doses reinforce the protection established by the primary series. Missing these boosters leaves gaps in immunity that the primary series alone cannot fill.

10 to 14 Years: School-Based Programme

From Primary 5 through Secondary 2, several important vaccines are administered through the Health Promotion Board’s school-based vaccination programme.

Tdap, Booster 2 (10 to 11 years): Tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis booster. Given in Primary 5.

IPV, Booster 2 (10 to 11 years): Second poliovirus booster, co-administered with Tdap at the same school-based visit.

HPV2, for females (12 to 13 and 13 to 14 years): Human papillomavirus vaccine. Two doses are given. Dose 1 is at Secondary 1 (ages 12 to 13) and Dose 2 is at Secondary 2 (ages 13 to 14). HPV vaccination protects against strains of the virus associated with cervical cancer and other HPV-related conditions.

MMR catch-up doses (12 to 13 years, if applicable): For children who did not receive MMR doses earlier, catch-up is available through the school programme.

Parents do not need to arrange these school-based vaccinations separately as they are coordinated by MOH and administered at school. However, if your child misses a school-based dose, speak with your GP at Lion Health to arrange a catch-up appointment.

Optional Vaccinations Worth Considering

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in infants and young children. The rotavirus vaccine is an optional vaccination not included in the NCIS. It is administered orally (not by injection) in two doses: at 2 months and 4 months. Speak with your GP at Lion Health about scheduling this alongside your child’s other 2-month and 4-month appointments.

Influenza Vaccine for Children

Annual influenza vaccination is included in the NCIS for eligible children aged 6 months to under 5 years (6 to 59 months). Vaccination is recommended annually because influenza strains change from year to year. Influenza can cause complications including pneumonia and hospitalisation in young children, making this one of the more important vaccinations to keep current in the early years.

Children receiving influenza vaccination for the first time require two doses. In subsequent years, one annual dose is sufficient. Speak with your GP about timing and scheduling.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccination is not on the NCIS but is available as an optional vaccine. It involves two doses given 6 months apart, starting from 12 months of age. It is particularly relevant for families who travel frequently to countries where hepatitis A is more common. Speak with your GP about whether this is appropriate for your child.

Cost Comparison: Optional vs. NCIS Vaccines

For SC children at CHAS GP clinics, all NCIS vaccines on the Subsidised Vaccine List have a patient co-payment of $0. This covers the 6-in-1, hepatitis B (paediatric), MMR, MMRV, varicella, influenza, PCV10/PCV13, HPV2, and Tdap/Tdap-IPV.

Optional vaccines such as rotavirus and hepatitis A are paid out of pocket. Pricing varies by vaccine and clinic. Speak with your GP at Lion Health for current pricing before scheduling.

Baby Bonus and CHAS for Vaccinations

How to Use Baby Bonus for Optional Vaccines

The Baby Bonus scheme, administered by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), provides eligible Singaporean families with a Child Development Account (CDA). The CDA can be used at Baby Bonus Approved Institutions for qualifying medical expenses, including optional vaccinations.

Bring your child’s NRIC or birth certificate and your CDA-linked card to the clinic. The clinic will process the deduction directly.

CHAS Subsidies Explained

The Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) allows eligible SC households to receive subsidised medical care at enrolled GP clinics. For NCIS vaccinations specifically, eligible SC children receive full subsidies regardless of CHAS card tier, whether Blue or Orange.

If your family does not yet have a CHAS card and you believe you may qualify, you can apply through the CHAS website or at any CHAS-enrolled clinic.

Medisave Usage for Childhood Vaccinations

For NCIS vaccines at CHAS GP clinics, SC children typically receive full subsidies, so Medisave may not be required. For optional vaccines, Medisave eligibility depends on the specific vaccine and applicable MOH schemes. Confirm with the clinic which vaccines are Medisave-claimable at the time of your appointment, as these schemes are subject to periodic updates.

Developmental Screening Alongside Vaccinations

What is Childhood Developmental Screening

Childhood Developmental Screening is a systematic assessment of a child’s development across physical, motor, language, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. It is a separate process from vaccination. Screening checks whether a child is developing according to expected milestones for their age and identifies any areas where early support may be beneficial.

In Singapore, the national programme comprises seven screenings from birth to age 6, conducted at GP clinics and polyclinics. SC children are eligible for full subsidies ($0 co-payment) at CHAS GP clinics for all seven screenings. PR children can receive subsidised screenings at polyclinics.

Recommended Screening Ages

The seven scheduled developmental screenings are designed to monitor key milestones and ensure early intervention if needed. The timeline is as follows:

• 1st Screening (4 to 8 weeks): A comprehensive physical examination (including hips, heart, and eyes) and growth monitoring of weight, length, and head circumference. It also covers feeding history and a hearing screening if not completed at birth.
• 2nd Screening (3 to 5 months): Continued growth monitoring and feeding history, with a focus on motor responses, visual tracking, and the infant’s responsiveness to a caregiver’s voice.
• 3rd Screening (6 to 12 months): Monitoring of growth and feeding, a hearing check, and a specific test for squint. The developmental checklist covers motor skills such as rolling over, sitting up, and turning toward sounds.
• 4th Screening (15 to 18 months): Assessment of physical growth and feeding, with an emphasis on walking, emerging language, and social bonding milestones.
• 5th Screening (2 years / 24 months): Focuses on gross and fine motor skills (like kicking a ball) and language progression, specifically checking for the ability to use two-word phrases.
• 6th Screening (3 years / 36 months): Evaluation of personal-social development. This stage checks for imaginative play and self-care skills, such as using a spoon and removing simple items of clothing.
• 7th Screening (4 to 6 years): The final scheduled screening before primary school entry, covering advanced language, social-emotional maturity, and cognitive milestones to ensure school readiness.

Combining Vaccination and Screening Appointments

At several age milestones, vaccination and developmental screening occur at the same visit. For example:

• At 4 months, your child receives DTaP D2, IPV D2, Hib D2, and PCV D1 alongside the 3-to-5 month developmental screening.
• At 6 months, the final primary doses can coincide with the 6-to-12 month developmental check if not yet completed.
• At 15 to 18 months, MMR D2, Varicella D2, and the DTaP/IPV/Hib boosters align with the 15-to-18 month developmental screening.

At Lion Health, the GP will complete the developmental checklist alongside scheduled vaccinations where applicable, reducing the number of separate clinic visits required.

Red Flags Parents Should Watch For

Developmental screenings are scheduled milestones, but you should not wait for the next appointment if you notice any of the following signs. If your child misses these specific markers, consult your GP or polyclinic doctor as soon as possible:

• By 2 Months: No eye contact; does not respond to loud sounds.
• By 6 Months: Not smiling socially; not turning head toward sounds or voices.
• By 12 Months: No babbling (e.g., “ba-ba-ba”); not pointing or waving; not reaching for objects.
• By 18 Months: No single words; not yet walking independently.
• By 24 Months: No spontaneous two-word phrases (only echoing/repeating what they hear); lack of interest in simple “pretend” play.
• At Any Age: * Regression: Any loss of previously acquired language, motor, or social skills.
  • Social Isolation: Consistently avoiding eye contact, not responding to affection, or a strong preference for playing alone.

Note: These “red flags” are not definitive diagnoses but are indicators that a more detailed developmental assessment is needed to ensure your child receives the right support early on.

Common Parent Questions and Concerns

Are Vaccines Safe? Understanding Side Effects

Vaccines included in Singapore’s NCIS have undergone rigorous evaluation for safety and efficacy before inclusion, and the Expert Committee on Immunisation reviews evidence on an ongoing basis.

Common side effects after vaccination are generally mild and temporary:

• Redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection site
• Low-grade fever 
• Fussiness or increased crying
• Mild rash, particularly after MMR

These reactions indicate the immune system is responding normally. They typically resolve within one to two days. If your child develops symptoms that concern you after vaccination, contact your GP promptly.

What If We Miss a Vaccination Appointment?

Missing a scheduled vaccination dose does not mean starting the entire series over. In most cases, the missed dose is given at the next available visit and the series continues from where it left off. Speak with your GP at Lion Health, who will review your child’s vaccination record and advise on the appropriate catch-up schedule.

Some optional vaccines have age windows. Speak with your GP as early as possible if you suspect a dose may have been missed.

Can Vaccinations Be Given When My Baby is Sick?

This is one of the most common questions GPs receive. The general guidance: mild illness such as a runny nose is not typically a reason to postpone vaccination. However, vaccination may be deferred if a child has a moderate to severe acute illness.

In these cases, bring your child to the appointment as scheduled and let the doctor assess. Do not cancel preemptively without consulting the clinic first.

Vaccine Myths Debunked

“Multiple vaccines at once will overwhelm my baby’s immune system.” A newborn’s immune system handles thousands of environmental antigens daily. The immune response required for several vaccines simultaneously is a fraction of what the system manages naturally. Combination vaccines were developed specifically to reduce the number of injections while maintaining full protective coverage.

“Natural immunity is better than vaccine immunity.” Natural infection can produce strong immunity, but at the cost of the illness itself. In conditions like measles, that can lead to serious complications including encephalitis. Vaccination produces protective immunity without the risks of the disease.

“The MMR vaccine causes autism.” This claim originates from a 1998 paper that was subsequently retracted due to ethical violations and data manipulation. Numerous large-scale studies involving millions of children have since found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

How to Comfort Your Child During Vaccination

For infants, feeding before the appointment and skin-to-skin contact with a caregiver during the injection can provide comfort. A favourite toy or comfort object helps for older infants and toddlers. Staying calm yourself matters too, as children are sensitive to caregiver anxiety.

Post-Vaccination Care at Home

After NCIS vaccinations:

• Monitor the injection site for redness or swelling. A cool, damp cloth applied gently can help.
• Check your child’s temperature periodically for the first 24 hours.
• Ensure your child is well-hydrated.
• Allow extra rest if your child seems tired or unsettled.

Speak with your GP about appropriate fever or pain management for your child’s age and weight before the appointment, so you are prepared.

When to Call the Doctor After Vaccination

Seek medical attention if your child develops symptoms that concern you after vaccination, including high fever, persistent inconsolable crying, signs of allergic reaction such as hives or eye/lip swelling, unusual drowsiness, or any other symptoms that do not feel normal. When in doubt, call the clinic.

 

Vaccination Records and Documentation

Child Health Booklet Explained

The Child Health Booklet is issued at birth. It contains:

• Birth and personal particulars
• Growth charts for weight, length, and head circumference
• The NCIS with spaces to record each dose administered
• Developmental screening records
• School dental and health screening records

Every vaccination your child receives, whether NCIS or optional, should be recorded in this booklet with the vaccine name, dose number, date administered, and the clinic’s stamp. Keep the original booklet and do not discard it even after your child starts school.

Digital Vaccination Records via HealthHub

The National Immunisation Registry (NIR) maintains electronic vaccination records for all Singapore residents aged 18 and below. Parents can access their child’s immunisation records through the HealthHub app using SingPass.

This is useful if the physical booklet is lost or damaged. The NIR captures vaccinations recorded by registered healthcare providers.

School Enrolment Vaccination Requirements

Before primary school enrolment, children in Singapore are required to have completed compulsory vaccinations against measles and diphtheria, as mandated under the Infectious Diseases Act. Schools may request documentation of completed vaccinations as part of the enrolment process. Having the Child Health Booklet updated will facilitate this without delays.

Queue From Home Today

Locations: Boon Keng and Yishun

Lion Health Clinic operates at two locations in Singapore.

Lion Health @ Boon Keng: Accessible via Boon Keng MRT Station on the North East Line, serving residents across Kallang, Geylang, and surrounding areas.

Lion Health @ Yishun: Located in the Yishun area in northern Singapore, serving families across Yishun, Sembawang, and Woodlands.

Both locations are CHAS-accredited. Eligible SC children receive NCIS vaccinations at $0 co-payment at either location.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Vaccination eligibility, subsidy rates, and schedule recommendations are subject to periodic revision by the Ministry of Health. Consult your GP for advice specific to your child’s health needs.