Vaccination

What is the Boostrix vaccine?

• Boostrix is also known as the Tdap vaccine, which protects against infections caused by the bacteria diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (Whooping cough).
• Diphtheria is a potentially serious bacterial infection primarily affecting mucous membranes of throat and nose. It is transmitted by infected droplets, and can cause very swollen throat, enlarged glands, breathing difficulties.
• Tetanus is a potentially serious infection from contaminated wounds, affecting nerves and muscles, causing rigidity and spasms. It is incurable and can be fatal.
• Pertussis is a very contagious respiratory infection that can cause a prolonged cough, and can result in severe complications especially in infants.

Who is the Boostrix vaccine for?

• All children, as part of the childhood immunisation schedule
• All adults
• Pregnant women during the third trimester of their pregnancy
• Healthcare workers
   

How often must I take the Boostrix vaccine?

• According to the immunisation schedule for children
• Every 10 years for adults

What is the Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine?

• It is a live vaccine that protects against chicken pox.
• Chickenpox is a highly infectious viral illness that is caused by a herpes virus called varicella-zoster and spreads through direct contact or droplets from an infected person.
   

Who is the Chickenpox (Varicella) vaccine for?

• All children when they turn 1, second dose when they are 15 months old
• Adults (18 years or older) who have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection or immunity.
   

How many doses of the Varicella Vaccine do I need?

• 2 doses, 3 months apart for children
• 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart for those older than 18 years old2 doses, 3 months apart for children.
   

Who should not receive the Varicella Vaccine?

• Anyone who is contraindicated to receive live vaccines (those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised)

What is the Flu (Influenza) vaccine?

• It is a vaccine that protects against the influenza virus.
• Influenza is an infectious viral respiratory illness more commonly known as “flu”.
• It causes markedly more severe symptoms than the common cold.
• Transmission is via infected droplets, which can be airborne or from direct contact.
   

Who is the Flu (Influenza) vaccine for?

• Everyone older than 6 months old
• It is especially indicated for:
  • Elderly aged 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women in any trimester
  • People with chronic medical conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease, as well as those with weakened immune systems
  • People who are immunosuppressed: This includes people with leukaemia, HIV, those who have had a spleen removed or an organ transplant, and those taking long-term steroids or immunosuppressive medications.
  • Residents staying in intermediate or long-term care facilities
  • People aged 18 years or younger and receiving long-term aspirin therapy
  • Children aged 6 months old to 59 months

How often must the Flu (Influenza) vaccine be taken?

• At least once a year as the formulation is updated twice a year to include the latest strains.

What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?

• This is a vaccine that protects against the Hepatitis A virus.
• Hepatitis A is a potentially serious liver infection which spreads by close contact with individuals infected with the virus, or by eating food or drinking water contaminated with the virus.

Who is the Hepatitis A vaccine for?

• International travellers
• People at increased risk for severe disease from HAV infection (eg those with chronic liver disease or are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised)

How many doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine are there?

• 2 doses, with the 2nd dose 6-12 months after 1st dose

What is the Hepatitis B vaccine?

• It is a vaccine that protects against the Hepatitis B virus.
• Hepatitis B is a serious liver disease that is spread by contact with the blood, semen, or other body fluid from a person infected with virus. It can also be passed from the mother to her unborn child. It can result in persistent infection, leading to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Who is the Hepatitis B vaccine for?

• Sexually active individuals with multiple partners
• Individuals in close contact with persons with chronic Hepatitis B infection
• Individuals undergoing Haemodialysis or with chronic liver disease
• People who inject drugs or live with someone who injects drugs
• Healthcare workers

How many doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine are there?

• 3 doses
• 2nd dose: 1 month after 1st dose
• 3rd dose: 6 months after 1st dose

What is the Hepatitis A+B (Twinrix) vaccine?

• Twinrix is a combination vaccine containing both Hepatitis A and B.

Who is the Hepatitis A+B (Twinrix) vaccine for?

• Sexually active individuals with multiple partners
• Individuals in close contact with persons with chronic Hepatitis B infection
• Individuals undergoing Haemodialysis or with chronic liver disease
• People who inject drugs or live with someone who injects drugs
• Healthcare workers

How many doses of the Hepatitis A+B (Twinrix) vaccine are there?

• 3 doses
• 2nd dose: 1 month after 1st dose
• 3rd dose: 6 months after 1st dose

What is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine?

• It is to protect against certain strains of the HPV (Human Papilloma) virus.
• HPV is a group of more than 100 different virus, grouped into high-risk (may cause cancer) and low-risk (non-cancer causing).
• These viruses can lead to cervical or vaginal cancer in females, and anal cancer and genital warts in both males and females.

Who is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine for?

• Males and females between the age of 9-45 years old, especially before their sexual debut.
• Females between 9-26 years old are nationally recommended to receive the vaccine.
• Others interested in the vaccine can discuss their suitability with our doctor

How many doses of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine do I need?

• 2-3 doses depending on the age

What is the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine?

• It is a vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
• Measles is caused by a virus that is airborne. It is extremely infectious and the virus can live for 2 hours after an infected person leaves a room. It causes rash, high fever, flu-like symptoms, and in severe causes can cause pneumonia and brain infection.
• Mumps is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever, pain and swelling to the glands, especially parotid glands. It is spread by coughing, sneezing or any contact with bodily fluids of an infected person.
• Rubella is a virus that is airborne and spread through close contacted with an infected person. It caused rashes and a flu-like illness.

Who is the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine for?

• All children when they turn 1, second dose when they are 15 months old
• All who did not complete their childhood vaccination

How many doses of the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine are there?

• 2 doses, at least 1 month apart

Who should not receive the MMR vaccine?

• Anyone who is contraindicated to receive live vaccines (those who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised).

What is the Pneumococcal (Prevenar 20) Vaccine?

• Pneumococcus bacteria causes a range of diseases including ear infections and pneumonia.
• It can also cause meningitis and sepsis.

Who is the Pneumococcal Vaccine for?

• Adults aged 65 and above
• Adults between the ages of 18 to 64 with health conditions that lowers their immunity (eg diabetes, heart, liver, or lung diseases), or who are heavy smokers or drink alcohol excessively.
• Adults aged 18 to 64 who are immunocompromised (having lower body resistance to infections) or with other medical conditions, such as persons with HIV, cancer, renal failure, organ transplant, cochlear implants, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, abnormal spleen function (including conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease and coeliac syndrome), or taking medications that lower their immunity.

How many doses of Prevenar20 do I need?

• 1 Dose

What is the Shingles (Shingrix) Vaccine?

• It is an adjuvanted vaccine to protect against a condition called Shingles.
• Shingles, also known as Herpes Zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes Chickenpox, resulting in fluid-filled blisters, and pain which can be severe and is potentially long lasting.

Who is the Shingles Vaccine for?

• Adults aged 50 and above
• Adults aged 18-50 years old with immunocompromising health conditions like chronic heart disease, lung disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes, etc.

How many doses of Shingrix do I need?

• 2 doses, administered 2 to 6 months apart.

What is the RSV (AREXVY) Vaccine?

• It is an adjuvanted vaccine to protect against RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), which is an infectious viral respiratory illness.
• RSV infection is a markedly more severe condition than the common cold, with a hospitalisation and mortality rate as high as influenza in older adults especially those with chronic diseases.
• The virus is transmitted via infected droplets, which can be airborne or from direct contact.

Who is the RSV Vaccine for?

• Persons older than 60 years old, especially if they look after young children
• Persons between the ages of 50 and 59 with increased risk of complications from RSV infection, eg chronic heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, advanced renal or liver disease.

How many doses of the RSV Vaccine do I need?

• One dose is the current recommended regime, showing protection for over 3 RSV seasons.