- While it is possible for citizens younger than 65 to take pneumococcal vaccines, they would not be eligible for the vaccination subsidies (unless they are deemed to be medically eligible to do so). This was done to avoid the scenario where citizens book and show up for appointments before their 65th birthday. Citizens could potentially be misled into taking the vaccination despite not qualifying for any subsidy. If you are under the age of 65 and still want to get vaccinated, please reach out directly to your nearest GP clinic or polyclinic.
How should adults take the Pneumococcal vaccine?
For individuals in which both PCV13 and PPSV23 are recommended, and who have yet to receive any pneumococcal vaccine, PCV13 should be given first, followed by PPSV23 a year later (or at least after a minimum interval of 8 weeks) for better protection.How long after COVID can I get my pneumococcal vaccine?
You can receive other vaccinations when you have fully recovered from COVID-19 infection. If you are unsure, please inform your GP prior to your vaccination.
I am 63 yrs old, healthy with no chronic medical conditions. Do you still recommend me to take the Influenza and Pheumococcal jabs, was considering having both jabs when I am 65 years old.
If you are below the age of 65 with no chronic medical conditions, you can still take the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. However, these will not be subsidised. The clinic should notify you of the expected costs before the vaccination is administered.
Both vaccinations are under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).Is the latest pneumococcal vaccine only need one jab ?
If you are 65 years of age or older, one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is generally recommended.
If you have already received PCV13 as an adult (regardless of age) and one dose of PPSV23 on or after 65 years of age, there is no further need for either of the pneumococcal vaccination.
To view your immunisation records in HealthHub, login with Singpass and click on Services > Health Records > Immunisation Records > Nationally Recommended.How can I check if I have taken the pneumococcal vaccine before?
You have three options:
Book your appointment for vaccination. When you come in for the appointment, the doctor at the clinic will assess you prior to vaccination and provide you with further guidance. (Note: If you make an appointment booking, you are authorising the GP clinic to check your immunisation records and CHAS eligibility.)
Check with your regular clinic if they have any record that you have received the pneumococcal vaccination previously after the age of 65. For pneumococcal vaccination (PPSV23) taken before the age of 65, it is recommended to repeat the vaccination.
Look at your immunisation record on National Immunisation Registry . You need to check that you have received both the PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccinations for best protection against Pneumococcal Disease (i.e. PPSV23 after 65 years old).
What are the types of subsidised pneumococcal vaccines available for adults?
There are 2 types of vaccines available:
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13)
- Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23)
PCV13 vaccine protects against 13 pneumococcal bacteria strains that most commonly cause pneumococcal disease, while the PPSV23 protects against 23 strains.
PCV13 when given before PPSV23, provides extended protection in a selected group of patients, as compared to giving PPSV23 alone.Does Singapore have the PCV20 vaccine and will it replace PCV13 as recommended in US? If it is available, why is it not subsidised?
While PCV20 was approved for use in Singapore in November 2022, it is not a vaccine recommended under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) currently.
Hence, it is not subsidised and MediSave cannot be used to cover the cost of this vaccine. You may wish to seek advice from your doctor on the use of PCV20 as an alternative to the PCV13 or PPSV23 vaccines. The Ministry of Health and the Expert Committee on Immunisation is assessing the clinical and cost effectiveness of PCV20 and how it should be used.What are some common side-effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?
Some people may feel faint after the vaccination
Sit for 15 minutes to avoid fainting
Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, slight headache, body aches or tiredness; fever of more than 38ºC is not common
These side effects usually go away on its own within 2 to 3 days
You may take Paracetamol to help to relieve the pain or fever
Which adults are recommended to get pneumococcal vaccines?
For seniors aged 65 years and above, one dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 is generally recommended.
If you have already received PCV13 as an adult (regardless of age) and one dose of PPSV23 on or after 65 years of age, there is no further need for either of the pneumococcal vaccination.
If you are 65 years of age or older and have previously received PPSV23 before age 65 years, you are recommended to get another dose of PPSV23, at least one year after the most recent PCV13 and at least 5 years from the previous dose of PPSV23.
For those aged 18 to 64 years and below with any of the following medical conditions, please consult your doctor for more details on the type of pneumococcal vaccine and number of doses recommended:
o Chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal or liver disease, or diabetes mellitus;
o Cochlear implant or cerebrospinal fluid leak;
o Anatomic or functional asplenia (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome that may lead to splenic dysfunction); or
o Immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications, HIV or other immunodeficiencies)
Pneumonia vaccine for SLE patient
Patients aged between 18 to 64 with weakened immune systems or other medical conditions are advised to take the pneumococcal vaccination.
However, the CHAS GP doctor will still assess your current condition and advise you accordingly during your visit.Can I get flu and pneumococcal vaccinations during the same visit?
Yes, adults can receive flu & pneumococcal vaccinations at the same visit and is safe to do so.
What is the pneumococcal vaccine used for?
Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Pneumococcal disease includes infection of the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain (meningitis), blood (bacteremia) and other serious infections. Symptoms of pneumococcal disease vary depending on the infected organ. It can range from low-grade fever, cough, earache and chest pain, to more serious symptoms such as confusion or severe headaches.What precautions should I follow before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine?
Inform your healthcare professional if:
You are allergic to this vaccine or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine
You have a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (a rare nerve condition)
You are pregnant or breastfeeding