Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim | MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Board-Accredited Family Physician
Last updated:
Planning an overseas trip? At Singapore Women's Clinic, we offer a comprehensive range of travel vaccinations for destinations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America, and beyond.
Our clinics are conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East, and Novena. Whether you are travelling as an individual or a family, our doctors can advise on your vaccination requirements. If you are a corporate group, we can also arrange onsite vaccinations on request.
Some travel vaccines need time to take effect, so it helps to plan ahead. Contact us for advice, or book your travel vaccination appointment today.
Why Are Travel Vaccinations Important?
Travel vaccinations guard you against infectious diseases that are common in certain parts of the world but rarely seen in Singapore. Getting vaccinated before your trip reduces your risk of these illnesses, which can be serious and may require costly medical treatment overseas.
Some countries also make certain vaccinations compulsory for entry, particularly for diseases such as yellow fever and meningococcal disease. In these cases, you may be asked to show official proof of vaccination before you are granted entry.
Which vaccines you need depends on where you are going. See our guide to travel vaccines by country for the vaccines advised at your destination, whether malaria tablets apply, and the certificate rules on arrival and on your return to Singapore.
Common Travel Vaccines in Singapore
| Vaccination | Purpose | Dose & Schedule | Estimated Protection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Vaccines | |||
| Cholera | Prevents cholera infection from contaminated food or water. | 2 to 3 doses (depending on age) | 2 years |
| COVID-19 | Protects against COVID-19 infection and severe illness. Required for those undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. | 1 to 3 doses (depending on age and health status) | Varies by vaccine and booster; immunity wanes over time |
| E. coli (ETEC) | Protects against travellers' diarrhoea caused by ETEC bacteria. | 2 to 3 doses (depending on age) | 3 months |
| Hepatitis A | Protects against liver infection from contaminated food or water. | 2 doses (0, 6 to 12 months) | 20 years+ |
| Japanese Encephalitis | Prevents mosquito-borne brain infection in rural Asia. | 1 dose | 5 years |
| Meningitis Vaccine (ACWY / MenB) | Protects against bacterial meningitis. MenACWY is required for Hajj pilgrimage. | 1 to 3 doses (depending on vaccine and age) | 4 to 5 years |
| Typhoid | Prevents typhoid fever from contaminated food or water. | 1 dose (booster every 3 years) | 3 years |
| Yellow Fever | Mandatory for entry to certain countries in Africa and South America. | 1 dose (at least 10 days before travel) | Lifetime |
| Additional Vaccines Recommended for Travel | |||
| Influenza (Flu) | Protects against seasonal flu viruses. | 1 dose per flu season (up to twice a year) | 6 months to 1 year |
| Pneumococcal | Protects against pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. Recommended for Hajj pilgrims. | 1 to 2 doses (depending on vaccine and age) | Depends on indication and schedule |
| Rabies | Protects against rabies virus from animal bites. | 2 to 4 doses (depending on need) | 3 years |
| Tetanus / Tdap | Protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). | 1 dose (booster every 10 years) | 10 years |
| Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Protects against RSV, which can cause severe respiratory illness in older adults and individuals at higher risk. | 1 dose | Currently only 1 dose is recommended |
If you are unsure of your vaccination history, you may check through the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) or consult our doctors, who can assist in reviewing your records and recommend suitable vaccinations based on your travel plans.
When to Schedule Travel Vaccinations?
Travel vaccinations should be administered ideally at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure,
as some require multiple doses or take time to become effective. However, certain vaccines can still be
given closer to your travel date.
It is best to consult your doctor as early as possible to allow enough time for assessment, scheduling, and
full protection before your trip.
