Vaccination Against Pneumococcal Pneumonia And Other Diseases For Seniors To Reduce Strain On Healthcare System

With the ongoing rollout of the Covid-19 mRNA vaccines to our residents, I felt there is an opportunity to get our seniors vaccinated against other common illnesses at the same time too. In this way, the burden on our healthcare system may be reduced.

Mr Murali Pillai asked 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.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: 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.