Your Baby's Vaccinations in Singapore (NCIS): A Parent's Guide

Vaccinations protect your child from serious, sometimes life-threatening diseases. Singapore's National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) sets out which vaccines your child needs and when.

What's on the schedule?

From birth, the schedule covers vaccines including BCG (tuberculosis), Hepatitis B, the combined DTaP-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and Hib), pneumococcal (PCV), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and varicella (chickenpox), with boosters in the school years and HPV for girls.

Two doses are legally required

Under Singapore law, vaccination against diphtheria and measles is compulsory for all children. The rest of the schedule is strongly recommended for your child's protection.

Where to go, and the cost

NCIS vaccines are fully subsidised — effectively free — for Singaporean children at polyclinics. They can also be given at GP and paediatric clinics for a fee, and MediSave can be used for the recommended vaccines. Bring your child's health booklet to every visit so the records stay up to date.

After a vaccination

Mild reactions are common and usually short-lived — a sore spot, mild fever or fussiness. Comfort your baby, offer feeds, and ask your doctor about paracetamol dosing if needed. Seek medical advice for a high fever, a severe reaction, or anything that worries you.

If you miss a dose

Don't worry — vaccines can be caught up. Speak to your polyclinic or doctor, who will resume the schedule and advise on any catch-up doses.