Chickenpox (also known as "Varicella") is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but can be serious in young infants and older adults. The chickenpox virus spreads from person to person through the air, or by contact with the fluid from the blisters on the body.

Some people will still catch chickenpox despite being vaccinated. However, the disease will be a mild form with few blisters, compared to people who have not had the vaccine.

Chickenpox vaccination should be used with caution if you come in regular contact with pregnant women (who have never had chickenpox or have never received vaccination), or people with a weak immune system. This is because the vaccine can cause (although rare) small spots and blisters which are infectious to appear on the body.

Women who are pregnant should not receive the chickenpox vaccine. Pregnancy should also be avoided for three months after vaccination.

Two doses of chickenpox vaccine are required and the interval depends on the brand of vaccine being used.

Influenza is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus, spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions. 

The influenza vaccine protects against influenza. There are many different types of influenza viruses, and the circulating strains change constantly; hence an annual vaccination is recommended. Only 1 dose is required and it takes 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. Children who have not been vaccinated previously against influenza will require 2 doses with the interval of 4 weeks. 

The influenza vaccine is recommended for the elderly, frequent travellers and patients with diabetes, chronic heart disease or respiratory ailments.

Hepatitis A is a serious liver disease caused by the Hepatitis A virus. It spreads by close contact with individuals infected with the virus or by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus. 

Hepatitis A vaccination can prevent Hepatitis A. Although not compulsory, blood screening for Hepatitis A virus may be done prior to vaccination. The vaccination consists of 2 doses which are given 6 months apart.

The Hepatitis B virus causes Hepatitis B, which can lead to serious liver disease. It is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.

Hepatitis B vaccines are effective in preventing the disease and its serious consequences, such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The vaccination consists of 3 doses administered over a span of 6 months. It is recommended to undergo pre-vaccination Hepatitis B screening. If you have had Hepatitis B screening, please bring your blood result with you.

Alternatively, you may wish to have the combined Hepatitis A & B vaccine. This vaccine offers convenience by protecting you against both viruses. Pre-vaccination Hepatitis B screening is needed before you can receive this vaccination. 

The combined Hepatitis A & B vaccination schedule is the same as that of Hepatitis B vaccination.

There are 2 types of HPV vaccines available in Singapore - Gardasil and Cervarix.

Only Cervarix is available in our polyclinics. Cervarix is a vaccine indicated in females from 9 to 25 years of age for the prevention of persistent infection and cervical cancer caused by HPV Types 16 and 18. 

Depending on your age, the nurse will advise you on the number of doses (2 or 3) of the vaccine you require and the appropriate intervals.

Meningococcal vaccination is required for Haj pilgrims and is also recommended prior to your travel to endemic areas. 

The vaccination protects against ACWY strains and 1 dose is required every 3 years.

Pneumococcal infection is caused by bacteria that can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing and contact with nasal fluids. The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious illnesses such as meningitis, bacteraemia, and pneumonia. It is especially recommended for individuals with chronic health conditions, including asthma, diabetes, heart disease and lung diseases, as well as for seniors aged 65 and older.

The PCV 20 vaccine offers protection against 20 strains of pneumococcal bacteria that are mostly associated with pneumococcal disease. Only one dose of the PCV 20 vaccine is needed for effective protection.

Shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles, which is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). This is the same virus responsible for chickenpox, and it can remain inactive in your body for years before reactivating and leading to shingles.

Shingles can result in serious complications, such as long-lasting nerve pain, even after the rash has disappeared. Other rare complications include pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), hearing loss, and blindness. The risk of complications is particularly higher in older adults and those who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed.

Statistics show that 1 in 3 adults will experience shingles at some point in their lives. The most effective way to protect yourself is through vaccination. The Shingrix vaccine requires two doses, with an interval of 2 to 6 months between them.

Tetanus is a disease caused by the bacteria, Clostridium tetani. You can get tetanus if dirt or manure gets into a cut or wound. Animal bites are also a rare tetanus hazard. 

It is advisable to vaccinate against tetanus if you have not had the vaccine in the last 10 years and are going to remote areas where medical care is not easily accessible.

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Whooping Cough) are diseases caused by bacterial infection. 

The Tdap vaccine protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis and a single dose of the vaccine is recommended. 

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella which are highly contagious and can cause serious complications. 

Two doses given at least one month apart is recommended for adults who have never been vaccinated or do not have evidence of immunity to all three diseases. Adults who were vaccinated with only one dose of MMR during childhood are recommended to receive a second dose of MMR.

Typhoid vaccine helps to prevent typhoid fever, which is caused by the bacteria, Salmonella Typhi. People who get typhoid can become carriers, potentially spreading the disease to others. The infection is primarily acquired through the consumption of contaminated food or water. The vaccine is recommended for those travelling to or residing in areas where typhoid fever is common and where hygiene standards may be inadequate. A single dose of the vaccine is sufficient and should be administered every 3 years for continued protection.