Protecting Your Child’s Health: Understanding the 12 Essential Childhood Vaccinations in Singapore
As a parent, ensuring your child’s health and well-being is a top priority. One crucial aspect of this is childhood immunisation, which protects against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. In Singapore, the National Childhood Immunisation Programme provides a comprehensive vaccination schedule for children, covering 12 essential diseases. In this article, we will explore these diseases, their risks, and the importance of vaccination, with a focus on the Toa Payoh Clinic and its role in providing childhood immunisation services.
Disease 1: Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also infect other parts of the body. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and even death. The BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is administered at birth to protect against TB.
Disease 2: Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection spread through direct contact with an infected person’s blood or bodily fluids. The vaccine is given in three doses, starting at birth, to protect against this serious disease.
Disease 3: Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection that affects the throat, heart, and nerves, leading to complications such as abnormal heart rhythms, paralysis, and breathing problems. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at two months old.
Disease 4: Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection that causes muscle spasms and can lead to breathing problems and death. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at two months old.
Disease 5: Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause serious illness, especially in newborns and infants. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at two months old.
Disease 6: Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Polio is a viral infection spread through contaminated food and water, leading to paralysis and deformity. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at two months old.
Disease 7: Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious complications such as lung infections, deafness, blindness, and brain damage. The vaccine is given in two doses, starting at 12 months old.
Disease 8: Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that causes swollen glands, fever, and headache. It can lead to complications such as infections in the brain, deafness, and infertility in males. The vaccine is given in two doses, starting at 12 months old.
Disease 9: Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is a viral infection that can cause serious complications in pregnant women and their unborn babies. The vaccine is given in two doses, starting at 12 months old.
Disease 10: Pneumococcal Infection
Pneumococcal infection is a bacterial infection that can cause chest, ear, and brain infections, leading to serious complications and death. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at two months old.
Disease 11: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a viral infection that can cause cervical cancer in women. The vaccine is given in a series of doses starting at 12 years old.
Disease 12: Influenza (Flu)
Influenza is a contagious viral infection that can cause serious complications such as lung infections, especially in high-risk groups like children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. The vaccine is given annually to protect against the latest strains.
Toa Payoh Clinic and Childhood Immunisation
Healthcare United Toa Payoh Clinic is a trusted healthcare provider in Singapore, offering childhood immunisation services as part of the National Childhood Immunisation Programme. Their experienced healthcare professionals administer the recommended vaccines according to the national schedule, ensuring your child receives the necessary protection against these serious diseases.
Conclusion
Childhood immunisation is a crucial aspect of protecting your child’s health and well-being. By understanding the 12 essential childhood vaccinations in Singapore and the risks associated with these diseases, you can make informed decisions about your child’s health. The Toa Payoh Clinic is a reliable partner in providing childhood immunisation services, helping to safeguard your child’s future.