1. Does MMR cause autism? There  is no evidence based study to link MMR vaccination with autism.  Experts and health authorities recommend MMR vaccination as risk of the diseases and their complications is high. World Health Organisation, Advisory Committee for Immunisation Practices of the Centre and Disease Control USA and Expert Committee on Immunisation of Singapore still recommend the vaccination against MMR.  2. Are there reasons not to give a child vaccination? If your child is having a fever or not feeling well, it would be important to tell your doctor to see if the vaccination may be postponed.

Children with certain medical conditions such as leukaemia or needing long term oral steroids, certain vaccines such as MMR should not be given and the doctor should be informed of the medical condition before vaccination. 

Children who received specialized treatment such as intravenous immunoglobulin should have their live vaccines (ie MMR, varicella) delayed for 11 months.  Other vaccinations can be given on schedule.  It is not necessary however to delay oral poliomyelitis vaccine.

3. What are 3-in-1, 4-in-1, 5-in-1 and 6-in-1 vaccines ?
3 in 1 vaccines basically consists of the 3 vaccines against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis.  This is given free in polyclinics if you are a Singapore citizen. 

4 in 1 consists of diptheria vaccine, tetanus vaccine, acellular pertussis vaccine and haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. 

5 in 1 vaccines consist of all the vaccines in 4 in 1 together with inactivated polio vaccine. 

6 in 1 vaccines consist of all the vaccines in 5 in 1 plus hepatitis B vaccine. 

Please consult your doctors regarding the type of vaccine and the schedule. 

4. Is thimerosal present in the vaccine?
Thimerosal is usually used as a preservative in the vaccine.  When metabolised, it becomes ethyl-mercury. This should not be confused with methyl-mercury , a neurotoxin which was known to cause poisoning. Most of the vaccine are thimerosal-free because of the concern that it is associated with autism. However, even if present, they are in minute quantities that is not known to cause any harm to the child. 

5. Can rotavirus vaccine be given with oral polio vaccine?
Rotavirus vaccine can be given concomitantly with most of the injectable vaccines. Oral polio can be given. Studies have shown that the antibody response to polio antigen is not affected by the rotavirus vaccine. However, the response to rotavirus antigen may not be optimal. Check with your health care professional. 

6. I’ve heard so many things about vaccination and am worried. Do I have to vaccinate my child?
Vaccinations are necessary. They are the best thing you can do for your child. Prevention is still safer than cure. With vaccination, there is lesser chance of your child contracting the disease. Your child will not have to go through the infection. Besides, some infections have complications or post infection sequelae.

7. Are the vaccines safe?
Before a vaccine can be introduced into the market and used on human beings, they have to undergo numerous trials and research by international scientists. They have to adhere to strict standards for the manufacturing of the vaccine. Before the vaccine can be used, the drug companies must be able to show that the vaccine is safe and effective.

 

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.