The Ultimate Singaporean's Guide to Travel Vaccinations: How Much and Where to Get Them
You know how some of us leave packing or buying travel insurance to the very last minute?
Well…
Here’s something critical that many of us never really think about.
Yep.
Travel vaccinations.
I mean, who would want to fall sick overseas?
Especially when you’re on holiday?
So… should you go to the hospital, polyclinic, or private clinic for your vaccination shots?
And how much does it cost to be adequately protected?
I gotchu fam.
TL;DR: Travel Vaccinations You Should Get and How Much They Cost
| Travel Vaccination | Dose(s) | Public Hospitals | Polyclinics | Private Hospitals & Clinics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | 2 | $85.60 to $136 | $160 to $175.66 | $156 to $232.20 |
| Hepatitis B | 3 | $75 to $186 | $90.90 to $119.52 | $102 to $125.52 |
| Influenza | 1 | $35 to $38 | $32 to $33.90 | $28.66 to $35 |
| Japan Encephalitis | 1 to 2 | $240 to $790 | N.A. | $44.88 to $89.76 (N.A. at some clinics) |
| Meningococcal | 1 | $72 to $100 | $71.30 to $75.58 | $100 to $137.95 |
| Rabies | 3 to 5 | $480 to $1,140 | N.A. | $507 to $1,066 |
| Typhoid | 1 | $18 to $40 | $28.50 to $30.21 | $35 to $36.38 |
| Yellow Fever | 1 | $140 to $198 | N.A. | $200 to $206 |
In general, going to the public hospitals is probably the best option as they have the widest selection of travel vaccines and they’re decently priced.
Polyclinics are probably the most convenient but they may not have all the travel vaccinations you need.
Private hospitals and clinics often provide 24-hour service so that’s worth considering if you can’t take time off work to get your shots.
It’s best to plan in advance so you can get your vaccinations nice and early.
Always call to check if they have stocks for the travel vaccine you need before heading down.
And always make an appointment to avoid disappointment (see what I did there?).
Other Things to Note
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), travel vaccinations are best scheduled at least four to six weeks prior to travel.
And that’s because most vaccines take one to two weeks to become effective.
Some even need to be given in two or three doses, which must be completed in order to provide full protection.
Recommended Travel Vaccinations to Get
Planning to travel soon?
These are the Singapore General Hospital’s recommended vaccinations for travellers visiting the following countries.
China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia
| Travel Vaccinations To Take For China, India, Vietnam Indonesia |
|---|
| Routine Vaccinations |
| Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B |
| Influenza |
| Japanese Encephalitis* |
| Rabies* (highly recommended) |
| Typhoid |
| Anti-malarial medications |
South America
| Travel Vaccinations To Take For South America |
|---|
| Routine Vaccinations |
| Yellow Fever |
| Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B |
| Influenza |
| Japanese Encephalitis* |
| Rabies* (highly recommended) |
| Typhoid |
| Anti-malarial medications* |
Africa
| Travel Vaccinations To Take For Africa |
|---|
| Routine Vaccinations |
| Yellow Fever |
| Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B |
| Influenza |
| Rabies* (highly recommended) |
| Typhoid |
| Anti-malarial medications* |
Saudi Arabia
| Travel Vaccinations To Take For Saudi Arabia |
|---|
| Routine Vaccinations |
| Hepatitis A |
| Hepatitis B |
| Typhoid |
| Influenza (highly recommended) |
| Meningococcal (recommended) |
| Rabies* (highly recommended) |
| Anti-malarial medications* |
Note: Routine vaccinations refers to diptheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella, and tetanus.
Common Types of Travel Vaccinations
Hepatitis A (Hep B)
Hepatitis A is a viral infection of the liver which causes it to become inflamed and tender.
It is usually spread via:
- contaminated food and drink (think: raw or partially-cooked cockles)
- contact with infected people (especially in developing countries with poor sanitation and overcrowding)
Symptoms include:
- dark-coloured urine
- fever
- itchy skin
- jaundice
- loss of appetite
- pale stools
- prolonged fatigue
- nausea and vomiting
Overall, Hep A is seldom serious and the body will recover within 3 to 4 weeks.
Hepatitis B (Hep B)
Hepatitis B is Hepatitis A but on steroids.
If you’re infected, it can lead to liver cirrhosis (permanent scarring and hardening), failure, and even cancer.
The symptoms are similar to Hepatitis A.
Even though we receive the vaccine as soon as we’re born, the validity of the vaccination only lasts for about 5 years.
So it’s best you get yourself checked before travelling.
Note: some hospitals and clinics offer a Hep A and Hep B combined vaccine which might be more economical
Influenza
Getting a flu vaccination helps reduce the chance of getting influenza, or aka the flu.
This is a contagious viral disease that causes:
- chills
- fevers
- muscle aches
- runny nose
- sore throat
Influenza is spread by close contact, coughing, or sneezing.
Typhoid
A life-threatening disease that is transmitted by bacteria — usually through contaminated food and water.
This disease causes:
- abdominal pains
- fever
- nausea
Highly recommended if you’re visiting rural or developing areas, or a place where there is poor sanitation.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral illness that is spread by infected mosquitoes.
This vaccination is a MUST-HAVE if you’re travelling to Africa or South America.
And you’ll need to carry proof of your vaccination in the form of a yellow booklet:
The booklet will also include a record of all of your other vaccinations and costs about $15.
On top of the vaccination.
And consultation costs at the clinic or hospital.
Cost of Travel Vaccinations in Singapore
The last thing you would want when on a holiday is to suffer from “travellers diarrhoea”.
Or more serious (touchwood) stuff like cholera, malaria, or yellow fever.
And if you find yourself in a country where healthcare costs are high for foreigners.
Then you might end up paying more than what you would have forked out for a simple flu shot at your local clinic.
Better be safe than sorry, right?
Note: the prices listed below are estimates given and correct only as of the time of writing. Please call the respective hospital or clinic before heading down to check for availability and prices.
Travel Vaccination Price at Public Hospitals
If you want access to the full suite of travel vaccinations, your best bet would be the hospital.
For travel vaccinations specifically, you’ll want to look for the respective hospital’s travel clinic.
| Vaccination | Price per dose | Dose(s) | Total Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | $42.80 to $68 | 2 | $85.60 to $136 |
| Hepatitis B | $25 to $62 | 3 | $75 to $186 |
| Influenza | $35 to $38 | 1 | $35 to $38 |
| Japan Encephalitis | $240 to $380 | 1 to 2 | $240 to $790 |
| Meningococcal | $72 to $100 | 1 | $72 to $100 |
| Rabies | $160 to $228 | 3 to 5 | $480 to $1,140 |
| Typhoid | $18 to $40 | 1 | $18 to $40 |
| Yellow Fever | $140 to $198 | 1 | $140 to $198 |
Note: the prices listed are before GST and not inclusive of consultation charges (where applicable).
Changi General Hospital Medical Centre For Travellers
Contact: 6850 3333
National University Hospital Traveller’s Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC)
Contact: 6772 8600
Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
Contact: 6717 2000 (this is for general enquiries, the travel clinic has no direct line)
Singapore General Hospital Travel Clinic
Contact: 6326 6723
Tan Tock Seng Hospital Traveller’s Health & Vaccination Clinic (THVC)
Contact: 6357 2222
Travel Vaccination Price at Polyclinics
The polyclinics are the most convenient as you can probably find one in your neighbourhood.
Regardless of which polyclinic you choose to visit, the prices of the vaccinations are the same as long as it’s within the same group.
However, they usually do not carry a wide range of travel vaccines.
Popular vaccinations like influenza are usually out of stock depending on time when you’re travelling (especially during holiday season).
Oh, the polyclinics also close early during the weekdays.
So if you’re thinking of getting your shots after work…
You might want to schedule an appointment for Saturday instead.
| Vaccination | Price per dose (Singhealth) | Price per dose (National Healthcare Group) | Dose(s) | Total price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | $81.10 | $80 | 2 | $160 to $175.66 |
| Hepatitis B | $30.30 | $40 | 3 | $90.90 to $119.52 |
| Influenza | $32 | $33.90 | 1 | $32 to $33.90 |
| Japan Encephalitis | N.A. | |||
| Meningococcal | $75.58 | $71.30 | 1 | $71.30 to $75.58 |
| Rabies | N.A. | |||
| Typhoid | $30.21 | $28.50 | 1 | $28.50 to $30.21 |
| Yellow Fever | N.A. | |||
Note: the prices listed are before GST (absorbed for Singapore citizens) and not inclusive of consultation charges (where applicable).
Singhealth Polyclinics (SGP)
Contact: 6643 6969
Hours: 8am to 1pm, 2pm to 4:30pm (Mon to Fri) | 8am to 12:30pm (Sat)
National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP)
Contact: 6355 3000
Hours: 8am to 1pm, 2pm to 4:30pm (Mon to Fri) | 8am to 12:30pm (Sat)
Travel Vaccination Price at Private Clinics & Hospitals
Private clinics and hospitals are probably your best bet if you can’t find a public hospital or polyclinic nearby.
Similar to public hospitals and polyclinics, private hospitals usually carry more vaccinations than private clinics.
| Vaccination | Price per dose (Parkway Shenton - Mt Elizabeth) | Price per dose (Raffles Medical - Changi Airport T3) | Dose(s) | Total price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | $116.10 | $78 | 2 | $156 to $232.20 |
| Hepatitis B | $41.84 | $34 | 3 | $102 to $125.52 |
| Influenza | $28.66 | $35 | 1 | $28.66 to $35 |
| Japan Encephalitis | $44.88 | N.A. | 1 to 2 | $44.88 to $89.76 |
| Meningococcal | $137.95 | $100 | 1 | $100 to $137.95 |
| Rabies | $213.20 | $169 | 3 to 5 | $507 to $1,066 |
| Typhoid | $36.38 | $35 | 1 | $35 to $36.38 |
| Yellow Fever | ~$200 | ~$206 | 1 | $200 to $206 |
Raffles Medical Group – 24 Hour Clinic @ Changi Airport Terminal 3
Contact: 6241 8818 (Changi Airport Terminal 3 clinic pharmacy) | 6311 2122 (general enquiries)
Parkway Shenton Medical Group – Mount Elizabeth Hospital
Contact: 6731 2200 (Mt Elizabeth pharmacy) | 6735 5000 (general enquiries)
Can I Use Medisave to Pay for Travel Vaccination?
Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), Singaporean adults aged 18 years and older can use their Medisave for approved vaccinations.
Thankfully, the Medisave500 scheme allows you to use up to $500 in your Medisave yearly for 7 types of vaccines covered by the NAIS.
| Vaccine | 18 to 26 years old | 27 to 64 years old | More than 65 years old |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis B | 3 doses | ||
| Human papillomavirus (HPV) | 3 doses | - | |
| Influenza | 1 dose annually | 1 dose annually | |
| Measles, mumps, and rubella | 2 doses | ||
| Pneumococcal | 1 or 2 doses | 1 dose each of PCV13 and PPSV23 | |
| Tetanus, diptheria, and pertusis | 1 dose for each pregnancy | ||
| Varicella | 2 doses | ||
You’ll notice that you can only use Medisave to pay for Influenza and Hepatitis B vaccinations.
Which means that the majority of travel vaccines cannot be paid for with Medisave.
So… Does Travel Insurance Cover Vaccinations?
After calling and speaking to a couple of the major insurance companies, it seems like it’s not a common thing for travel insurance to cover travel vaccinations.
Side note: if you know of any obscure travel insurance policies which do have this perk, please let me know and I’ll list it here for everyone’s benefit!
About the Wuhan Coronavirus(2019-nCov) Situation
Now, to address the elephant in the room.
There is currently NO vaccine available for the Wuhan Coronavirus.
However, if you have plans to travel…
You SHOULD still get your travel vaccinations in order to protect yourself from other diseases and illnesses.
Should I Still Travel to China?
MOH has issued an advisory for Singaporeans to defer all travel to Hubei province as well as non-essential travel to Mainland China.
What If I’m Already Travelling?
MOH recommends that you should monitor your health closely for two weeks upon return to Singapore.
If you feel unwell, you should seek medical attention immediately!
If you have a fever, are coughing or experience shortness of breath, you should wear a surgical mask and call the clinic ahead to inform them of your visit.
Let your doctor know your travel history as well.
Are There Any Precautions to Adopt?
Whether you’re travelling or not, here are some precautions to take:
- Avoid contact with live animals including poultry and birds
- Avoid consumption of raw and undercooked meats
- Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are unwell
- Observe good personal hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently with soap – especially when handling food or your hands are soiled by respiratory secretions
- Wear a surgical mask if you are coughing or have a runny nose
- Cover your mouth with a tissue paper when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it properly immediately
- Seek medical attention promptly if you’re feeling unwell
Advertisement
