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 is another type of serious liver disease. It spreads through contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person. 

Hepatitis B vaccination can prevent the disease and its serious consequences, including liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The vaccination is given in 3 doses over a period of 6 months. Some people may need a fourth dose (or more) to build up adequate immunity to the disease. 

Pre-vaccination Hepatitis B screening is compulsory. If you have had Hepatitis B screening done, please bring along your blood test result. If your screening was done more than 6 months before, you will be required to undergo the test again before vaccination can be given.

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 a bacterial infection that is spread by coughing, sneezing and contact with nasal fluids.

Pneumococcal vaccines provide protection against illness like meningitis, bacteremia and pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for all persons with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, heart and pulmonary diseases and for elderly people above 65 years of age.

There are two vaccines that can prevent pneumococcal disease: pneumococcal conjugate (PCV 13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Both PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines are available in NHG Polyclinics. All adults 65 years or older are recommended to be vaccinated with both vaccines, and the schedule will depend on the individual’s risk factors and past vaccination history.

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 fever is caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhii. People who get typhoid usually become carriers who can spread the disease to others. Most people get typhoid from contaminated food and water. The typhoid vaccine protects you from this disease. Only 1 dose is required every 3 years. 

The current typhoid vaccine available in NHGP is suitable for adults and children above 5 years of age.