Which Vaccines Are Free in Singapore and Which Do I Have to Pay For?
NCIP vaccines free at polyclinics, private PD costs, optional vaccines your child can add, and using Medisave for vaccine expenses.
Vaccines Free at Polyclinics
All vaccines in the National Childhood Immunisation Programme (NCIP) are provided free of charge at polyclinics for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. This includes both the vaccine itself and the administration.
| Vaccine | At Polyclinic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BCG | Free | Given at birth at the hospital |
| Hepatitis B (3 doses) | Free | First dose at birth, rest at polyclinic |
| DTaP-IPV-Hib (4 doses) | Free | 3 primary + 1 booster |
| PCV13 (3 doses) | Free | 2 primary + 1 booster |
| MMR (2 doses) | Free | Mandatory for school |
| Varicella (2 doses) | Free | Mandatory for school |
Polyclinic well-child visits themselves have a small consultation fee (typically S$10 to S$18 per visit for SC/PR children with CHAS subsidies). The vaccines within the NCIP are free on top of this consultation. Bring your child's health booklet to every visit.
Private PD Costs
If you choose a private paediatrician instead of the polyclinic, NCIP vaccines are still available, but you pay a consultation fee. Some parents prefer the continuity of care and shorter waiting times at private PDs.
| Fee Component | Polyclinic | Private PD |
|---|---|---|
| NCIP Vaccine | Free | Free (but consultation charged separately) |
| Consultation Fee | S$10 to S$18 (CHAS subsidised) | S$40 to S$100 per visit |
| Total per Well-Baby Visit | S$10 to S$20 | S$40 to S$120+ |
Over the full NCIP schedule (approximately 10 to 12 visits in the first 2 years), the cost difference between polyclinic and private PD for NCIP vaccines alone can be S$500 to S$1,200 or more.
Optional Vaccines and Their Costs
Beyond the NCIP, many paediatricians recommend additional vaccines based on your child's risk factors. These are not free but can be partially claimed from Medisave.
| Vaccine | Approx Cost Per Dose | Total Series Cost | Medisave Claimable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotavirus (Rotarix: 2 doses) | S$200 to S$400 | S$400 to S$800 | Yes |
| Influenza (annual) | S$30 to S$70 | S$30 to S$70/year | Yes |
| Meningococcal ACWY | S$180 to S$250 | S$180 to S$500 (1 to 2 doses) | Yes (approved list) |
| Hepatitis A (2 doses) | S$80 to S$100 | S$160 to S$200 | Yes |
Using Medisave for Vaccines
Medisave (including the S$4,000 Medisave Grant for Newborns) can be used to pay for approved vaccinations. The vaccine must be given at a Medisave-approved clinic and must be on the MOH's approved list.
- Claim limits apply per outpatient visit (typically S$500 per year for outpatient including vaccines at CHAS GP clinics)
- For higher-cost vaccines like rotavirus, ask your PD about the specific Medisave withdrawal code
- The S$4,000 Medisave Grant credited at birth can cover a significant portion of optional vaccine costs in the first 2 years
- Polyclinic NCIP vaccines do not need Medisave claims as they are provided free directly
Medical disclaimer: this information is for general guidance only. Vaccine costs change over time. Medisave claim rules are set by CPF Board and subject to change. Verify current limits at cpf.gov.sg and vaccine costs with your healthcare provider.