Vaccination Requirements Expanding in Singapore

Diphtheria and measles vaccination soon a requirement for foreign-born children when applying for long-term immigration in Singapore
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Asia (Precision Vaccinations News)

Beginning in February 2019, the Singapore government will be enforcing stricter vaccination requirements for certain visitors. 

"To ensure high vaccination coverage among all children in Singapore, foreign-born children applying for long-term immigration passes in Singapore will need to supply additional immunization verifications," said the health ministry in a media release. 

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), foreign-born children aged 12 years old and younger, who are applying for the Dependant’s Pass (DP) or Long Term Visit Pass (LTVP) issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and the Student’s Pass issued by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA), will be required to submit documented proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for diphtheria and measles to the Health Promotion Board (HPB) for verification. 

Those who wish to seek a medical exemption will be required to produce a doctor-certified document to HPB. 

Vaccinations for both diseases, which are highly contagious, are compulsory for children in Singapore under the Infectious Diseases Act.  

These vaccinations have been highly received by the 5.6 million Singapore residents.

For example, in 2016, the vaccination coverage was 99% for MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and 97% for DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) Booster dose 2 (Tdap).

Among foreign-born children, however, the number who are not vaccinated against diphtheria and measles or whose vaccination status cannot be ascertained has been increasing in recent years, said the MOH. 

Singapore is an island city-state off southern Malaysia, with approximately 5.6 million residents.   

In the USA, the State Department says current immigration law requires that prior to the issuance of an immigrant visa, applicants must obtain certain vaccinations, such as:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Influenza
  • Influenza type b (Hib)
  • Measles
  • Meningococcal
  • Mumps
  • Pneumococcal
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus
  • Rubella
  • Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids
  • Varicella

Only a physician can determine which of the listed vaccinations are medically appropriate for you, given your age, medical history, and current medical condition.

Certain waivers of the vaccination requirements are available upon the recommendation of the panel physician. 

For more detailed information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Panel Physician Technical Instructions for Vaccination.

 

 

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