BABY IMMUNISATIONS :WHY DOES MY BABY NEED THEM? Vaccination can prevent your child from contracting very serious infectious diseases.  Such childhood infections may sometimes lead to dire consequences. The childhood immunisation program in Singapore has helped to bring down the incidence of these infections.  WHY DOES MY BABY NEED SO MANY INJECTIONS? Not all vaccinations are in the form of injections.  While some of the vaccinations are routine and scheduled according to guidelines by the National Immunisation Registry of Singapore, others are optional (please see routine vs optional vaccinations).  Vaccinations against certain childhood diseases are routine because  these diseases maybe previously  common in Singapore or in Southeast Asia and are potentially dangerous. Vaccination has helped to reduce the number of cases drastically that these diseases have become rare or even unheard of.

For certain  vaccines such as BCG, one dose is given to prevent the baby from suffering from serious complication of tuberculosis if contracted eg TB meningitis or brain infection. 

For other vaccines, several doses may be necessary to ensure the child’s immune system is prepared to fight off the infectious disease.  As time passes by, booster doses may be given to ensure the child’s immune system still has the ability to recognize and fight off the disease.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIALLY SERIOUS CHILDHOOD DISEASES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE ROUTINE  VACCINES?
1. BCG Vaccine against Tuberculosis
2. Hepatitis B vaccine
3. Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT) vaccine
4. Poliomyelitis vaccine
5. Measles,Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine
6. Pneumococcal vaccine

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONAL VACCINES?
1. Rotavirus vaccine
2. Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)
3. Influenza vaccine
4. Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
5. Hepatitis A vaccine
6. Human Papilloma Virus vaccine

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MY CHILD DOES NOT GET THE  ROUTINE IMMUNISATIONS?
Diphtheria and Measles vaccinations are compulsory by law in Singapore.  Violation of the law will put the parent/guardian liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10 000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SIDE EFFECTS OF VACCINES?
Most childhood vaccines are generally well tolerated.  Mild immunization reaction may include swelling and redness over injection site and a low grade fever.  Most mild reactions start 1 to 2 days after immunization and last 2 to 3 days.  Do note that Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine may cause fever only 1 to 2 weeks later.  BCG vaccination will leave a scar.



The information on this website is strictly meant to be used as an educational guide.Parents are advised to consult their family doctor or paediatrician for specific medical advice.