Vaccinations

Vaccine accordions

• Travel vaccinations

  Travel vaccinations are recommended to protect you against certain illnesses that may be common or endemic to certain areas. Hence, if you are travelling to such areas, it is prudent to be vaccinated ahead of time to reduce the risk of falling ill while you are away on business or leisure.

  
  

  While some destinations may require specific protection against conditions like yellow fever for certain parts of Africa, more common travel vaccinations include:

  
  

  Influenza (flu)

  Influenza vaccines are recommended annually to help protect against the most commonly circulating influenza A and B viruses. While it is commonly regarded as a travel vaccine, influenza vaccinations are also recommended for pregnant women, those aged 65 years and above, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic medical conditions.

  
  

  Hepatitis A and B

  The Hepatitis A virus is commonly found in raw or undercooked shellfish such as cockles. As it is passed on through faeces, it is easily passed on in conditions where there is poor sanitation and hygiene practices.

  
  

  The Hepatitis B virus is usually passed on through exposure to contaminated blood, in situations such as an infected mother to her child, sexual contact with an infected person, sharing of infected needles during acupuncture, piercing or tattooing, among others.

  
  

  While Hepatitis A is an acute infection, Hepatitis B infection can cause long-term complications that lead to cirrhosis (permanent scarring and damage to the liver), liver failure or liver cancer.

  
  

  Measles, Mumps, Rubella

  The MMR vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella is recommended for children and part of Singapore’s National Immunisation Schedule for Children. However, some individuals remain unvaccinated, and travel may expose you to outbreaks of these diseases. In addition to common symptoms such as fever and body ache, these conditions can lead to serious complications which include meningitis, pneumonia, brain damage and birth defects.

  
  

  Pneumococcal disease

  Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that can infect different parts of the body, such as the lungs, blood, brain lining and middle ear. As a result, it can lead to serious or life-threatening complications like loss of hearing, pneumonia and meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining).

  
  

  COVID-19

  During this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also wise to stay up-to-date on the latest requirements for departure and re-entry into Singapore. For latest updates, please check the Immigration and Checkpoint Authority website.

• Influenza vaccination

  Influenza or flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. In the western hemisphere, there are two distinct flu seasons while in tropical regions outbreaks occur throughout the year.

  
  

  Common symptoms of flu are fever, head and body ache, sore throat and runny nose. These are similar to COVID-19 symptoms. However, while the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, it is still important, both to prevent flu-related complications, thus helping to ease the burden on healthcare services during the pandemic. Furthermore, being vaccinated reduces the potential for flu symptoms to be confused with COVID-19.

  
  

  Complications of influenza include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Ear and sinus infections
  • Inflammation of the heart and brain

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  Influenza vaccine

  Quadrivalent Flu Vaccine

  $42.80 (after GST)

  
  

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  A quadrivalent influenza vaccine is designed to protect against four different influenza viruses; two influenza A viruses and two influenza B viruses.

  
  

  To make a vaccination appointment at any of our clinics or to locate a clinic near you, please connect with us below.

  Make an Appointment

  Find a Clinic Near You

  
  

  Who should take the influenza (flu) vaccine?

  In general, anyone who would like to reduce their chance of getting influenza can be vaccinated. It is strongly recommended for high risk groups such as:

  • children aged 6 months – 18 years
  • people with chronic medical conditions (eg. diabetes, asthma)
  • people aged 50 years and above
  • caregivers who live with or care for those with high risk of influenza
  • pregnant women.

  
  

  Do I still need to take the flu vaccine if I have already taken my COVID-19 jab?

  Yes, you should. The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against influenza. You will still need to take flu vaccine if you have taken both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines. In general, it is recommended to have an interval of 2 weeks between COVID-19 vaccines and non COVID-19 vaccines (although it is not mandatory).

  
  

  Influenza Vaccine Recommendations by MOH

  The Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised those who have received the 2021/22 NH* or earlier seasonal influenza vaccine should still be vaccinated with the 2022 SH* seasonal influenza vaccine. For optimal protection, vaccination is recommended early in the season.

  
  

  Speak to your Parkway Shenton doctor to find out more.

  2021/22 NH= Northern Hemisphere 2021/22; this addresses the seasonal influenza epidemic from September/October 2021 – March/April 2022.

  2022 SH = Southern Hemisphere 2022; this addresses the seasonal influenza epidemic from March/April 22 to September/October 22.

• Pneumococcal vaccination

  The pneumococcal vaccine helps to protect against the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia, which is spread through respiratory droplets of infected persons. Vaccination helps protect against the common strains. High risk groups are children under 2 years of age and adults aged 65 years and above.

  
  

  Complications of pneumococcal diseases include:

  • Pneumonia
  • Meningitis
  • Bacteraemia

  
  

  Types of pneumococcal vaccines

  The pneumococcal vaccines approved for us at Parkway Shenton GP clinics are Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23.

  
  

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  Pneumococcal vaccines

  Prevenar 13 Vaccine

  $192.60  (after GST)

  protects against 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains

  Pneumovax 23 Vaccine

  $85.60 (after GST)

  protects against 23 pneumococcal bacteria strains

  
  

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  Infants should be given two doses of PCV13 (at ages 3 and 5 months), with a booster at 12 months.

  
  

  For elderly aged 65 years and above, one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is recommended.

  
  

  Do consult your doctor for more details (eg. on the number of recommended doses and vaccine type).

  
  

  To make a vaccination appointment at any of our clinics or to locate a clinic near you, please connect with us below.

  Make an Appointment

  Find a Clinic Near You

  
  

  Who should take the pneumococcal vaccine?

  Pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended for people with the following medical conditions:

  • Those aged 18 years and older with chronic illnesses, such as chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver diseases and diabetes mellitus.
  • Those who are immunocompromised (having lower body resistance to infections) or with other medical conditions, such as cochlear implants or cerebrospinal fluid leaks; or abnormal spleen function.

• Children’s vaccinations

  Childhood immunisations are an important way to protect infants and children from infectious diseases while their immune systems are still developing, and to prevent the risk of complications from those diseases.

  
  

  The National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) covers vaccinations against 12 diseases, and all of these can be found at Parkway Shenton GP Clinics. Many of them are covered under the government’s Vaccination and Childhood Development Screening Subsidies (VCDSS) for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. Do take note that measles and diphtheria are compulsory for children under the Infectious Diseases Act.

  
  

  Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP- IPV-Hib) (5-in-1)

  Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP- IPV-Hib) is a 5-in-1 vaccine that protects against five common childhood diseases, namely diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Each of these conditions can lead to serious complications in young children.

  
  

  Diphtheria

  Diphtheria is highly contagious and creates a thick grey-white coating at the back of the throat, accompanied by fever, sore throat and difficulty breathing and swallowing, while pertussis or whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the lungs that causes intense bouts of coughing.

  
  

  Tetanus

  Tetanus bacteria releases a toxin that creates muscles stiffness in the jaw muscles (lockjaw) and muscle spasms that cause difficulty breathing and swallowing.

  
  

  Polio

  The polio virus can cause long-term damage to the nerves, causing temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis that leads to deformities in the feet or legs.

  
  

  Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

  Hib is a bacterium that can cause inflammation to the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and heart (pericarditis), blood poisoning (sepsis) and infection of the joints (septic arthritis) and bones (osteomyelitis).

  
  

  Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, inactivated poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b and Hepatitis B (DTaP- IPV-Hib-HepB (6-in-1)

  Similar to the DTaP- IPV-Hib 5-in-1 vaccine, the 6-in-1 vaccine protects against six common childhood diseases, namely diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, with the inclusion of Hepatitis B.

  
  

  Hepatitis B affects the liver and can be passed on from an infected mother to her child, and through contact with infected blood. In some individuals, the infection can become chronic and cause long-term damage to the liver or even lead to liver cancer.

  
  

  Hepatitis B (HepB)

  The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against the damaging effects of the Hepatitis B virus, which attacks the liver. While most people recover without lasting effects, a chronic infection can lead to liver cirrhosis (scarring of HPVthe liver tissue) and liver cancer.

  
  

  Human papillomavirus (HPV2)

  There are over 40 Human Papillomavirus or HPV types that are spread through direct sexual contact. Among these, several types of HPV can lead to genital warts and certain kinds of cancer, including cervical, penile and vaginal cancer. Getting the HPV2 vaccine helps to prevent against the most common strains that are associated with cervical cancer.

  
  

  Influenza (INF)

  The influenza (flu) vaccine protects against four flu virus strains. With many flu virus strains in circulation, the vaccine is recommended to be taken annually, to protect against the most current strains.

  
  

  Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)

  The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). Complications from measles can lead to pneumonia and ear infections, while mumps can lead to hearing loss and meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining). Rubella is dangerous for pregnant women, as it can lead to miscarriage or birth defects.

  
  

  Measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV)

  The MMRV vaccine protects against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) with the addition of varicella, the virus that causes chickenpox. Protection against chickenpox also helps to prevent the development of shingles (herpes zoster) which can occur years later.

  
  

  Pneumococcal conjugate (PCV10 and PCV13)

  Vaccination with the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine helps to protect children against infection with the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. This bacterium can lead to complications such as pneumonia, sepsis (blood poisoning), and meningitis (inflammation of the brain lining), which are potentially fatal. The PCV10 vaccine protects against 10 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

  
  

  Similar to PCV10, the PCV13 vaccine protects against the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, but with protection against 13 strains.

  
  

  Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23)

  The Pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPSV23) protects against 23 strains of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The PPSV23 is recommended for adults and administered in a single dose.

  
  

  Tetanus, reduced diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap)

  The Tdap vaccine contains a full-strength dose of the tetanus vaccine and smaller doses of the diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine to maintain immunity against these diseases.

  
  

  Tetanus, reduced diphtheria, acellular pertussis and inactivated poliovirus (Tdap-IPV)

  Similar to the Tdap but with the addition of the polio vaccine, Tdap-IPV offers more protection in one convenient shot.

  
  

  Varicella (chickenpox) (VAR)

  Protection against the varicella virus that causes chickenpox can help to prevent serious complications such as secondary infection and shingles (herpes zoster), which is a painful rash. Both chicken pox and shingles can lead to such as pneumonia and inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (encephalitis or meningitis).

• HPV vaccination

  The HPV vaccine helps to protect against the human papillomavirus that leads to cervical cancer. It is recommended for young women aged 9 – 26 to receive the vaccine before their first sexual exposure. Women who are older may also receive the vaccine and you should speak to your doctor about your suitability.

  
  

  The HPV vaccines approved for use at Parkway Shenton GP clinics are Gardasil 9 and Cervarix.

  
  

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  HPV vaccines

  Cervarix (HPV2)

  $123.00 (after GST)

  
  

  Gardasil-9 (HPV9)

  $251.50 (after GST)

  
  

  Patients who are eligible for the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) may receive the Cervarix (HPV2) vaccine in CHAS clinics only at $90/dose*.

  
  

  * Based on the following subsidies:
  1. Singapore citizen child: government subsidy $90, patient out-of-pocket $0
  2. Merdeka/CHAS blue/orange: government subsidy $67, patient out-of-pocket $23
  3. CHAS green/non-CHAS citizen: government subsidy $45, patient out-of-pocket $45

• Where can I get vaccinated?

  Vaccines are available at all Parkway Shenton clinics.

  
  

  Eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents will automatically receive vaccination and/or Childhood Development Screening subsidies at our Parkway Shenton GP clinics.

  
  

  Speak to your Parkway Shenton doctor if you or your child meets the relevant criteria for vaccination under National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) or National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).

  
  

  To make a vaccination appointment at any of our clinics or to locate a clinic near you, please connect with us below.

  Make an Appointment

  Find a Clinic Near You

• Do I still need to take the flu vaccine if I have already taken my COVID-19 jab?

  Yes, you should. The COVID-19 vaccine does not protect against influenza. You will still need to take flu vaccine if you have taken both doses of the COVID-19 vaccines.