National Immunisation Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - Update Record

Q1. How can I update my child's vaccination record?

For vaccinations taken in Singapore, you may inform your doctor/clinic to update the records via the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) website.

For vaccination taken overseas, you may approach your doctor to update in NIR. An administrative fee may be charged by the clinic for updating the records.

Alternatively, you may submit a vaccination update request via the homepage. The processing time will take about 10 working days (excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays) if the documents sent are clear and complete. It may take longer during school registration period.

Q2. I received a reminder letter asking me to send my child for a vaccination; however the vaccination has already been given. What should I do?

The reminder letter may have been sent before the notification record was received.

Please inform the NIR of the details to update the registry. Supporting documents should be included for verification.

Q3. I've received a letter asking me to update my child's vaccination record. Could you please call my GP to get the information?

Yes. Please inform the NIR of your doctor's particulars together with your child's birth certificate number.

Q4. My family is currently living overseas. My child's vaccinations are done in that country. Do I need to update his records?

You can update the National Immunisation Registry when you are back in Singapore.

You can email copy of the immunisation records together with a copy of the child's birth certificate and NRIC or FIN, parent's NRIC or FIN or passport number to hpb_nir@hpb.gov.sg

Q5. Why are some of my child's vaccinations not updated, e.g., Prevenar?

The Registry will receive vaccination records from Singapore clinics under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.

Should you like the optional vaccines to be updated, you can request your doctor to update the records via our online website (www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nird/ens/enslogin) for healthcare professional

Q6. My family has just moved to Singapore. How do I update my child's overseas record in Singapore?

Please email a copy of the immunisation records together with a copy of the child's birth certificate and NRIC or FIN, both parent's NRIC or FIN (front and back) or passport number, both parent's contact phone no., residential and mailing address to hpb_nir@hpb.gov.sg

Q7. My child's vaccinations were all done overseas. How do I continue my child's vaccination in Singapore?

Please consult your doctor for the next dose that needs to be given to your child.

If you are planning to bring your child to the polyclinics, you will have to first update your child's records in NIR. After the records are updated, please make an appointment with the respective polyclinic before you bring your child down for vaccination.

FAQ - All about Laws & Regulations in Immunisation

Q1. How does the NIR get vaccination records?

Under the Infectious Disease Act, doctors are required to notify the NIR of vaccinations given.

Q2. When was Diphtheria and Measles became compulsory in Singapore?

Diphtheria was made compulsory in 1977. Measles vaccination was introduced from Oct 1976 and made compulsory in August 1985 for children ages 1-2years.

Q3. When was the law changed for Small pox vaccination?

Small pox was compulsory by law for all children before the age of 1 year until 1981.

Q4. Is there a governing body for immunisation in Singapore?

Yes. The National Childhood Immunisation Programme has been implemented based on recommendations of the Expert Committee on Immunisation, comprising of Ministry of Health senior officials, consultant paediatricians and experts in communicable disease.

This national committee meets regularly to monitor and review the childhood immunisation programme in Singapore. The committee also follows closely recommendations from World Health Organisation (WHO).

The reason why Singapore is now free from most vaccine-preventable diseases is because of the effective and successful vaccination programme in Singapore.

Q5. When was the two-dose MMR vaccination schedule introduced?

In January 1998, the two-dose MMR vaccination schedule was introduced with the second dose given to primary school leavers (11+ years old).

Q6. When was measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine introduced?

The monovalent measles vaccine was replaced by the trivalent measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine in January 1990.

Q7. Is there a penalty for not vaccinating my child against Measles and Diphtheria?

Vaccination against Measles and Diphtheria is a requirement of the law.

Under the Infectious Diseases Act and the Infectious Diseases (Diphtheria and Measles Vaccination) Regulations, it is compulsory for parents and guardians to have their child vaccinated against measles and diphtheria. The will be a fine as penalty for non-compliance.

FAQ - General

Q1. What is the age range that NIR keeps records for?

The NIR maintains the vaccination records for children from birth to 18 years of age. Records for children born on or after 1 Jan 1996 are available online.

Q2. How can I access my child's records?

To access your child's records, you would need your Singpass and password.

Singpass is the common password used to transact with different Government online services.

Eligibility for Singpass:

- Singapore Citizen and Permanent Resident
- Employment Pass and Personalised Employment Pass holders
- EntrePass holders
- S-Pass holders
- Dependant Pass holders (of EP, PEP, EntrePass and S-Pass holders)
- Selected Work Permit Holders

You can get your Singpass at the Counters in CPF Board Offices or request your your Singpass to be posted to you by using the Online Application service ( (http://www.singpass.gov.sg). Please keep your Singpass confidential.

Q3. Why is it important to follow the recommended immunisation schedule?

Babies are born with some natural immunity which they get from their mother and through breastfeeding. This gradually wears off as the baby's own immune system starts to develop.

Routine childhood immunisations schedule helps provide a child with protective antibodies when the mother's antibodies have gone.

It is important to follow the immunisation schedule as delaying immunisation can leave a baby unprotected. It also increases adverse reactions to some vaccines, such as pertussis.

Q4. Do I need to bring my child's health booklet when I bring my child for vaccination?

When your child is vaccinated, the details will be entered into your child's Personal Health Booklet (provided at birth).

It is important to remember to take this document along with you at the time of vaccination.

This record may be requested by child care centres or schools, many of whom require proof that your child is up to date with immunisations before enrolment.

Q5. How do the National Immunisation Registry gets my child's records?

Your child will automatically be added to the Registry when they receive their first vaccination.

Q6. Why use SingPass?

SingPass protects your privacy by giving you your personal online identity and password to authenticate your online access.

Q7. Is there anyone who should not receive immunisation?

Those who have a history of allergy should check with their doctor before getting immunised.

Q8. When should I or my child go for routine vaccinations, e.g influenza vaccination, after recovering from COVID-19?

In general, for individuals without fever in the past 24 hours and who have completed their isolation period, they can proceed with vaccination.

FAQ - Certificate

Q1. I've lost the certificate of vaccination. How can I get a replacement?

Your doctor should be able to re-issue the certificate.

Q2. Do I receive a Certificate of Vaccination when my child have completed all the vaccinations?

Yes. Upon completion of all the immunisations, your doctor should issue the Certificate of Vaccination.

This certificate may be requested by child care centres or schools, many of whom require proof that your child is up to date with immunisations before enrolment.

Q3. My child have yet to receive a certificate from the clinic. Can I request for one?

Yes, you can request for the certificate from the clinic where the vaccinations were done.

Should you require the certificate earlier, do contact the clinic and request for one.

Q4. How can I download a copy of my child's immunisation records

You can now view and print your child’s immunisation records by accessing www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nirp/eservices/login with your SingPass and password following the steps as follows :
1. Access our website ( www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nirp/eservices/login)
2. Click on “SingPass” icon on the left hand side of the web page to log in
3. The system will redirect to Singpass and after you enter your Singpass and password you will be brought back to NIR website
4. Click “My Child”
5. Enter your child ID or child’s name with date of birth. Click Search
6. Click “Link As Dependant” ( checked box on the right ) so that you do not need to re-enter your child’s ID or name & date of birth in the next log in
7. Click on Child ID
8. Click on print icon
9. Your child’s Immunisation History will be generated in “pdf” format
10. Save the document and print
This self-printed document can be used for future school enrolment.

FAQ - Myths

Q1. Myth : Vaccination is no longer necessary because most diseases have been eliminated by better hygiene and sanitation.

Improved socioeconomic conditions have undoubtedly had an indirect impact on disease.

Better nutrition, the development of antibiotics and other treatments, have increased survival rates among the sick; less crowded living conditions have reduced disease transmission; and lower birth rates have decreased the number of susceptible household contacts.

However, vaccinations have been proven to have a significant impact on disease control. Without vaccination, individuals remain susceptible to the infectious agents causing these diseases.

Q2. Myth : Vaccines cause many harmful side effects, and even death and may cause long-term effects.

Most vaccine adverse events are minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. These can often be controlled by taking panadol before or after vaccination. More serious adverse events occur rarely.

The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the slight risk. A child is far more likely to be seriously injured by one of these diseases than by any vaccine.

Q3. Myth : Vaccine-preventable diseases have been virtually eliminated, so there is no need for my child to be vaccinated.

It's true that vaccination has enabled us to reduce most vaccine-preventable diseases to very low levels in Singapore. However, some of them are still quite common in other parts of the world.

Travelers can unknowingly bring these diseases into Singapore, and if we were not protected by vaccinations these diseases could quickly spread throughout the population, causing epidemics here.

We should be vaccinated, then, for two reasons. The first is to protect ourselves. Even if we think our chances of getting any of these diseases are small, the diseases still exist and can still infect anyone who is not protected.

The second reason to get vaccinated is to protect those around us. There is a small number of people who cannot be vaccinated (for reasons such as severe allergies to vaccine components), and a small percentage of people don't respond to vaccines. These people are susceptible to disease, and their only hope of protection is that people around them are immune and cannot pass disease along to them.

A successful vaccination program, like a successful society, depends on the cooperation of every individual to ensure the good of all.

Q4. Myth : Giving a child more than one vaccine at a time increases the risk of harmful side effects and can overload the immune system.

Studies have been conducted to examine the effects of giving various combinations of vaccines simultaneously, and it has been shown that the recommended vaccines are as effective in combination as they are individually, and that such combinations carry no greater risk for adverse side effects.

Two practical factors favor giving a child several vaccinations during the same visit. First, immunising children as early as possible provides protection during the vulnerable early months of life.

Second, giving several vaccinations at the same time will mean fewer office visits for vaccinations, which saves parents both time and money and may be less traumatic for the child.

FAQ - Retrieval of Immunisation Records

Q1. Would it be possible for me to retrieve my immunisation records if I am above 21 years old?

School Health Service only started computerising the medical and immunisation records in 1990.
Available records are kept until the child reaches the age of 21 years after which the data will be archived.

To retrieve the records, please write to:
Youth Preventive Health Service
Health Promotion Board
3 Second Hospital Avenue
Singapore 168937

or email: Contact_YPS@hpb.gov.sg

FAQ - Vaccines and Vaccination

Q1. Why is immunisation important?

Vaccines have been developed to protect people against diseases that can cause serious illness.

While improvements in sanitation and hygiene have played an important part in controlling the spread of infectious diseases, vaccination had been critical for the control of these diseases.

Without vaccination, individuals remain susceptible to the infectious agents causing these diseases.

Q2. What is the difference in 6in1 (Hexa) and 5in1?

6in1 includes the following vaccines:
DTPa + HiB + IPV + HEPB
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertusiss,
Haemophilus influenza type B,
Inactivated Polio Vaccine and Hepatitis B.

5in1 includes:
DTPa + HiB + IPV
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertusiss,
Haemophilus influenza type B, and
Inactivated Polio Vaccine.

If you need more information, do consult your doctor.

Q3. When was BCG vaccination introduced in Singapore?

BCG vaccination was started in mid 1950s as part of the childhood immunisation programme.

Q4. When did BCG revaccination by School Health Service discontinued?

As of 1st July 2001, BCG revaccination by School Health Service was discontinued.

Q5. Are Permanent Residents (PR) required to pay for the free vaccinations in the polyclinics?

Yes, PRs have to pay at a discount for the free vaccinations offered to citizens.

Do consult the polyclinics regarding the cost.

Q6. Are Pneumococcal & Rotavirus vaccination required?

Pneumococcal & Rotavirus vaccination are not compulsory in Singapore.
Do consult your doctor should you require more information.

Q7. What are some side effects of vaccination? What should parents do if child has a reaction?

The risk of serious complications from the vaccines is always much lower than the risk of complications if your child falls ill with one of the diseases. Also, allergy to the vaccines is extremely rare.

The vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) may cause redness and swelling at the site of injection. This will resolve within a few days. Your child may have a fever on the day of the injection and the day after.

The MMR vaccine may cause a brief reaction that can begin from a few days to three weeks after vaccination. Your child may get mild cough, runny nose, skin rash, fever or swollen salivary glands. Your child will not be contagious. Studies have shown that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

The most common side effects associated with pneumococcal vaccine are redness and swelling at the injection site, fever and tiredness.

BCG vaccination may cause a small boil to develop 2-3 weeks later at the site of injection. It will resolve 6-8 weeks later. If the boil bursts, you may cover it with a piece of gauze.

FAQ - All about Hepatitis B

Q1. Can a person who has eczema be safely immunised with the Hepatitis B vaccine?

A person who has mild to moderate eczema should not have any problems receiving the vaccination. If a person has severe eczema, he/she should check with his/her doctor for advice.

For the Hepatitis B immunisation programme in schools, a child with mild eczema should be able to receive the vaccination in school. A child with severe eczema will be referred to the Student Health Centre at Health Promotion Board for the vaccination.

Q2. Is the Hepatitis B vaccine safe?

The Hepatitis B vaccine has been shown to be very safe. It has been available since 1982. The vaccine is made using recombinant DNA technology, and does not contain any live components of the hepatitis B virus.

Q3. Are there any side effects for Hepatitis B?

The most common side effects are pain at the injection site and mild to moderate fever. Serious side effects reported after receiving hepatitis B vaccine are very uncommon.

There is no confirmed scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term or chronic illnesses. There is no risk of hepatitis B infection from the vaccine.

Q4. Would an asthmatic person have any problems with the Hepatitis B vaccination?

There should not be any problems with an asthmatic person receiving the Hepatitis B vaccination.

Q5. Can a person who has or has just recovered from flu/sore throat/cough/fever receive the Hepatitis B immunisation?

If a person is feeling unwell, he/she should check with a doctor before taking the immunisation.

FAQ - All about Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR)

Q1. What is the implication if a child misses his MMR vaccination?

For adequate herd immunity, 95% is required. Herd immunity refers to the immunity of a group or community (the herd). The resistance of a community to the invasion and spread of an infectious agent is based upon the resistance to infection of a high proportion of individual members of the community.

If the infectious agent is not able to find a susceptible person in the community to infect, then an epidemic would die out. Mass vaccination can result in herd immunity.

In theory, if the MMR vaccination coverage is below 95%, there is always a risk of outbreaks of the diseases concerned. This means that children without the vaccine protection will be susceptible to being infected with the diseases.

If a parent forgets or is too busy to get his child immunised against MMR, the child could potentially fall ill with measles, mumps or rubella. And if the child falls ill, (the parents might miss work), and the child may suffer the risk of complications of the illness that may have long term consequences.

Further, the parents are putting other susceptible children at risk if those children are exposed to their child with infection. These children may be too young to be vaccinated or not able to be vaccinated for medical reasons. When many child are not vaccinated, it is easy for the disease to be introduced into the community.

Q2. Should parents be concerned at all about the MMR vaccine?

Vaccines, like any medicine, may have some side effects. These side effects are mild. The benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the slight risk.

A decision not to immunise a child also involves risk. It is a decision to put the child and others who come into contact with him or her at risk of contracting measles.

Q3. Are there reasons why some children cannot receive their MMR vaccination?

If a child is allergic to the MMR vaccine, or has a suppressed immune system due to leukaemia, taking oral steroids for a prolonged period, or has moderate to severe illness then the child is not suitable for MMR vaccine. If in doubt, the parents should consult their doctor.

However if a previously healthy child has a fever such as from a cold, when the child recovers, the child will be able to take the MMR vaccine. If the parents are not sure, they should consult a doctor.

Q4. Is there a relationship between MMR vaccine and autism?

Regarding MMR and autism, the key messages to note are:

* MMR vaccine protects children against dangerous, even deadly diseases.
* Carefully performed scientific studies have found no relationship between MMR vaccine and autism.

Health authories, including the Expert Committee on Immunisation of Singapore, WHO, Centre for Disease Control of USA continue to recommend two doses of MMR vaccine for all children.

For more information, please visit the following websites:
1) www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/autism/autism-mmr.htm
2) http://www.rainbowpediatrics.net/faq/18.html
3) www.immunize.org/who

Q5. I received a letter from my child's school informing me to bring my child for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination. When I refer to the health booklet, it was given. What should I do?

We are updating our records for all children. Our system shows that there is no record of the vaccination for your child.

We seek your assistance in helping us update your child's immunisation records.

To update the record, please send us a copy of your child's health booklet page "Immunisation Record of Child (0 - 6 years) or other supporting document (s) if the vaccination was given overseas. Please indicate your child's Singapore Birth Certificate number, FIN or Passport number on the documents.

You may wish to email the documents to hpb_nir@hpb.gov.sg

If your child has not received the stated vaccination, please bring him/her together with the identification documents and health booklet to a doctor for vaccination.

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Last Reviewed on 26 Aug 2016