Parents know that vaccinations protect their children, but the childhood immunisation schedule, medical abbreviations, and combination vaccines can still feel confusing and overwhelming.
Names like DTaP, Tdap, Hib, 5-in-1, and 6-in-1 often leave parents wondering:
This guide breaks down childhood vaccinations in plain, simple language, explains what is needed at different ages, and offers practical tips to help parents stay on track with the immunisation schedule.
Childhood vaccination protects against serious infectious diseases that can cause long-term complications or life-threatening sequelae. In Singapore, certain vaccines are compulsory under the Infectious Disease Act Singapore (Diphtheria & Measles), while others are strongly recommended to provide broader protection.
Following the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) ensures children are protected early, especially during infancy when their immune systems are still developing.
The period between 2 and 6 months forms the foundation of your child’s vaccine schedule. During this time, several key vaccines are given to protect against infections that can be especially serious in early infancy.
Here is what they are designed to protect against.
The DTaP vaccine protects against three serious illnesses:
The polio vaccine protects against poliomyelitis, a viral infection that can damage the nervous system. In severe cases, polio can lead to permanent paralysis.
Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, a type of bacteria that can cause serious infections such as chest infection, ear infection, meningitis, and bloodstream infection in young children.
The Hepatitis B vaccine protects the liver from a virus that can cause long term health problems. It is also one of the few vaccines that can reduce the risk of getting liver cancer in the later stage of life. It is given as a three-dose series, either alone or as part of the combined vaccine, starting at birth and completed during the first 6 months of life.
The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacteria that can cause pneumonia, ear infection, meningitis and serious bloodstream infections. These infections can be especially severe in babies and young children.
Common pneumococcal vaccine options include:
Combination vaccines help reduce the number of injections babies receive.
Typically protects against:
Includes everything in the 5-in-1 plus Hepatitis B.
Many parents choose the 6-in-1 because it is more convenient and reduces the number of injections per visit. However, Hepatitis B may be required earlier if the mother is a Hepatitis B carrier.
Parents often worry about choosing the “right” combination of vaccines. There is no single perfect schedule.
Doctors may adjust your child’s childhood vaccine schedule based on:
This flexible approach ensures your child remains protected while staying aligned with the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
The table below is a simplified guide to help parents understand the vaccines recommended by the Singapore government under subsidy and how they are commonly grouped at each visit. For the full official schedule, please refer to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
| Child’s Age | Vaccines Recommended (MOH) | How These Are Commonly Given in Clinics |
|---|---|---|
|
At birth |
Hepatitis B, BCG (tuberculosis) |
Hepatitis B + BCG |
|
2 months |
Hepatitis B, DTaP, IPV, Hib |
6-in-1 vaccine |
|
4 months |
DTaP, IPV, Hib + Pneumococcal |
5-in-1 vaccine + PCV |
|
6 months |
Hepatitis B, DTaP, IPV, Hib + Pneumococcal |
6-in-1 vaccine + PCV |
|
12 months |
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) + Varicella (Chickenpox) + Pneumococcal (booster) |
MMR + Varicella + PCV booster |
|
15 months |
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) + Varicella (Chickenpox) |
MMR + Varicella |
|
18 months |
DTaP, IPV, Hib booster |
5-in-1 booster |
|
> 6 months |
Influenza (Flu) |
Flu vaccine (Quadri/Trivalent)
|
In addition to vaccines recommended under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, parents may consider optional vaccines for added protection:
Not part of the NCIS, but rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhoea and dehydration in young children in Singapore. Vaccination helps protect infants from these serious complications and hospitalisation. Hence it is strongly recommended. It is an oral vaccine and given as 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart.
PCV15 is the newest version of the pneumococcal vaccine and provides broader protection against more strains compared with PCV13. While it is not included in the government’s recommended schedule, it is safe and effective. At our clinic, SBCC, we offer both PCV13 and PCV15, and your paediatrician will guide you on which option is most suitable for your child.
RSV can cause severe respiratory distress especially in the first 6-12 months of life. RSV vaccine reduces the risk of RSV Bronchiolitis and hospitalisation. It should be given as early as possible after birth. It is available since end of 2025.
SBCC Childhood Immunisation packages cover all your child’s vaccination needs based on Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Programme.
Keeping track of childhood vaccinations can feel overwhelming. With different vaccine names, schedules and recommended timings, it is completely normal to feel unsure about what comes next.
You do not have to figure it out on your own. Our paediatricians at SBCC Baby & Child Clinic provide personalised guidance based on your child’s age, vaccination history, health needs and daily environment.
Whether you’re visiting for routine check-ups or seeking advice on childhood vaccinations, we’re here to help you make informed decisions with confidence and peace of mind.
Medically Reviewed by Dr Wong Chin Khoon
Consultant Paediatrician