Vaccination Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Other Diseases for Seniors to Reduce Strain on Healthcare System

NOTICE PAPER NO. 874
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 10 JANUARY 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Murali Pillai
MP for Bukit Batok

Question No. 2199

To ask the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider rolling out vaccinations against pneumococcal pneumonia and other prevalent diseases to seniors for protection against these diseases and to ease the strain on the healthcare system.

Written Answer

The National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) provides national-level guidance on important vaccinations for persons aged 18 years and older. Under the NAIS, all persons aged 65 years and above are recommended to get the pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations to reduce the risks of infection and disease-related complications. They are also recommended to receive other vaccinations, such as varicella (chickenpox), if they have not been previously vaccinated, or lack evidence of past infection or immunity.

All Singaporeans who meet the criteria in the NAIS are eligible for vaccination subsidies at both CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics. MOH has been working with stakeholders such as the Health Promotion Board to increase uptake of these vaccines, especially the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, by seniors.