Stay Protected with Vaccinations for Every Life Stage

Fact: While natural immunity occurs when you get an infection, it comes with the risk of serious illness, long-term complications, or death. For example, getting measles or chickenpox can lead to complications like pneumonia, brain swelling, or even death. Vaccines provide a safer, more controlled way to develop immunity without risking those dangerous side effects.

Fact: Vaccination is important for people of all ages, including adults. Immunity from childhood vaccinations can weaken over time, and some diseases can affect adults more severely. For example, adults should receive the flu vaccine, the shingles vaccine after 50, and the Tdap vaccine (for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) throughout life.

Fact: The flu vaccine does not give you the flu. The vaccine contains an inactivated or weakened form of the virus, which cannot cause illness. Some people might experience mild side effects, like a sore arm or a low-grade fever, which are normal reactions as the body builds immunity, but they are temporary and much milder than actual flu symptoms.

Fact: Vaccines are one of the most rigorously tested and safest medical products available. They are subject to extensive clinical trials and continuous monitoring for safety even after they’re approved. The benefits far outweigh the risks. Serious side effects are extremely rare.

Fact: Vaccines are highly effective at preventing the spread of disease. Diseases like polio, smallpox, and measles have been dramatically reduced or even eradicated in many parts of the world due to vaccines. While no vaccine is 100% effective, most provide strong protection against serious illness and complications.

Fact: Vaccination schedules are designed to protect children at the earliest possible age when they are most vulnerable to severe illness. Many vaccines, like the Hepatitis B vaccine, are most effective when given during infancy. Delaying vaccination leaves your child unprotected and at higher risk for serious infections.

Vaccination trains your immune system to recognise and fight harmful viruses or bacteria before they make you seriously ill. It works much like updating the software on a smart device, giving your body the tools it needs to stay protected as threats change over time. Beyond personal protection, vaccination also helps reduce the spread of disease within the community, especially to those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, the elderly, or people with certain health conditions.

Vaccines train your immune system to recognise and fight harmful germs before they make you sick. There are six main types: live attenuated, inactivated, subunit, toxoid, viral vector, and mRNA. Each works differently, from using weakened viruses to delivering genetic instructions, but all help your body build immunity in a safe and controlled way. The type used depends on the disease being targeted and your individual needs, such as age, health or medical suitability.

Yes, childhood vaccinations used in Singapore are thoroughly tested and approved for safety. They are monitored by health authorities and backed by strong global evidence showing they help protect children from serious, preventable diseases. Like any medication, vaccines might cause mild side effects such as slight fever or body aches, but serious reactions are very rare. If you have questions about your child’s vaccination plan, a doctor can guide you based on your child’s age and health needs.

Ideally, travel vaccinations should be given four to six weeks in advance, as it can take up to two weeks for your body to build immunity. However, getting vaccinated even a few days before you leave Singapore might still offer some protection, especially for certain high-risk destinations. Speak with a doctor as soon as possible to assess your travel plans and determine which vaccines are important or mandatory for the country you’re visiting.