FEBRUARY 23, 2022
FEBRUARY 23, 2022
Vaccinations for adults living in Singapore
If you are preparing to relocate to Singapore or if you are already living in Singapore, do not forget to receive all the necessary and recommended vaccinations. You may think vaccinations are mainly for children and few adults may think of going for any vaccinations at all. A common myth among Singaporeans is that vaccination is mainly for travellers. This is true for those who travel a lot around the South East Asia region but there are also certain vaccinations that are deemed important to have whilst living in Singapore. Unlike countries such as the United States, Europe and Australia, Singapore does not currently offer an official adult immunisation schedule.
Why do some adults need vaccines?
Some adults assume that the vaccines they received in childhood will protect them for the rest of their lives. This is partly true but it is important to remember that:
The “routine” adult vaccinations are Influenza, pneumococcal infection, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella zoster, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps and rubella. If you travel a lot around the South East Asia region, you may also wish to consider vaccinating for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and typhoid.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
There is often a misconception of influenza being a mild disease. Influenza is caused by the highly contagious influenza virus: type A, B or C. Influenza A viruses are the most pathogenic and account for more severe illnesses and complications. These complications can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) and even multi-organ failure (lungs and kidneys).
The flu vaccine is recommended for all adults annually. Vaccination is especially important for young children, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with weakened immune system, those who work in a healthcare setting or care for someone at high risk of flu-related complications including people with certain chronic medical conditions eg. diabetes, chronic lung disease, etc.
Influenza vaccination has been shown to be clinically effective in reducing the rate of hospital admissions as well as reducing the incidence of influenza-related mortality in the older population. The traditional “influenza seasons” are from April to July and November to January when there is a peak in reported cases.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia
This is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia and accounts for approximately 50 per cent of pneumonia cases in hospital. The bacteria can attack different body systems and can result in pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia and other life-threatening conditions. Pneumococcus bacteria can also cause middle ear and sinus infections.
The vaccine is recommended for those 65 and above, those with an underlying chronic illness or a weakened immune system, patients who have had a splenectomy or live in long term care facilities.
There are currently two types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Singapore for use in adults. Please consult with your doctor for further advice on this.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The bacteria can release a dangerous substance (toxin) into the bloodstream that can damage organs including the heart, brain and kidneys. Tetanus infection causes serious, painful spasms and stiffness in all muscles of the body. It can cause locking of the jaw resulting in difficulties in opening the mouth, swallowing and breathing.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. The infection causes violent, uncontrollable coughing making it hard to breath, eat and drink. After the primary series of doses in childhood, booster vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis should be administered once every ten years (pertussis has become a re-emerging infection recently because of waning immunity in adults) Vaccination is especially important if you have a wound that is likely to become infected or you have close contact with infants. Preteens and teens should get a dose to boost their immunity between the ages of 11 and 12 years. Pregnant ladies should also get a booster dose of the vaccines during the third trimester of every pregnancy to help protect the baby from pertussis in the first few months of life
Varicella zoster (Chickenpox)
The varicella zoster vaccine is given if you did not have chickenpox as a child or adolescent, you are not too sure if you have had chickenpox, or if you are considering pregnancy and don’t know if you are immune to chickenpox. Vaccination reduces the risk of chickenpox by 90 per cent and the risk of severe or fatal complications (pneumonia and encephalitis) by more than 98 per cent. Even those who have been vaccinated, can still catch chicken pox (the vaccine is 90 percent protective). However, the disease is a much milder form with a lower incidence of fever and fewer blisters and scarring.
The recommendation is two doses for all adults (if this was not done in childhood) with at least a four weeks interval after the first dose.
Measles, mumps and rubella
Measles virus can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Mumps virus can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), encephalitis, and painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries Rubella virus, if caught during pregnancy, can have serious implications on the baby resulting deafness, heart abnormalities and brain damage. The MMR vaccine can protect children and adults from all three of these potentially serious diseases. In Singapore, two doses of MMR vaccine have been made compulsory since 1998. You can get the first dose of MMR at any time and repeat with a second dose within at least four weeks.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix. It can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva in women. In men, it can cause penile cancer, cancer of the anus and oral cavity as well as genital warts. Consider the HPV vaccine if you are a woman aged 26 and under and did not receive the vaccination during adolescence. Men aged 26 and under can also consider vaccinating against HPV. For men, the HPV vaccine can help prevent genital warts and reduces the transmission of the virus that causes cervical cancer in women. The recommended three doses over a six months period.
Herpes zoster (Shingles)
Shingles is a painful rash that can develop on one side of the body, face or torso. The rash forms blisters that scab over in 7-10days and clears up in 2-4 weeks. For some people the pain can last for months after the rash has disappeared. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and is the most common complication of shingles. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people aged 60 years and older. It reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51% and PHN by 67%. It is given as a single shot.
Other vaccinations to consider:
Hepatitis A and B vaccines
Hepatitis A causes an acute inflammatory liver condition. The disease is often spread through contaminated food.
Hepatitis B virus can cause an acute infection of the liver. This is a blood borne disease and can be very serious. The virus stays in the liver in some people for the rest of their lives and can result in severe liver disease including liver cancer.
Routine childhood Hepatitis B vaccine was incorporated into the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation programme since 1987. Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine are given over a six month period. For Hepatitis B, three doses of the vaccine are given over a six month period.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Salmonella typhi. Typhoid is spread by the faecal-oral route and is associated with poor sanitation and ineffective personal hygiene. Typhoid is endemic to areas of poor sanitation – e.g. Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central and Southern America. Remember to complete your vaccination at least one week before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect. Typhoid vaccination loses effectiveness after three years so re-vaccination with a booster dose is recommended every three years.
Vaccination provides significant protection against infectious diseases and their complications that can cause long-term illness, hospitalisation and even death. The specific immunisations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, occupation, high-risk conditions, types and locations of travel and previous immunisation history.
Please speak to your doctor if you have any further queries or concerns regarding vaccination in adults.
Vaccinations for adults living in Singapore
If you are preparing to relocate to Singapore or if you are already living in Singapore, do not forget to receive all the necessary and recommended vaccinations. You may think vaccinations are mainly for children and few adults may think of going for any vaccinations at all. A common myth among Singaporeans is that vaccination is mainly for travellers. This is true for those who travel a lot around the South East Asia region but there are also certain vaccinations that are deemed important to have whilst living in Singapore. Unlike countries such as the United States, Europe and Australia, Singapore does not currently offer an official adult immunisation schedule.
Why do some adults need vaccines?
Some adults assume that the vaccines they received in childhood will protect them for the rest of their lives. This is partly true but it is important to remember that:
The “routine” adult vaccinations are Influenza, pneumococcal infection, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, varicella zoster, human papillomavirus, measles, mumps and rubella. If you travel a lot around the South East Asia region, you may also wish to consider vaccinating for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and typhoid.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
There is often a misconception of influenza being a mild disease. Influenza is caused by the highly contagious influenza virus: type A, B or C. Influenza A viruses are the most pathogenic and account for more severe illnesses and complications. These complications can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis) or muscle (myositis, rhabdomyolysis) and even multi-organ failure (lungs and kidneys).
The flu vaccine is recommended for all adults annually. Vaccination is especially important for young children, adults aged 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with weakened immune system, those who work in a healthcare setting or care for someone at high risk of flu-related complications including people with certain chronic medical conditions eg. diabetes, chronic lung disease, etc.
Influenza vaccination has been shown to be clinically effective in reducing the rate of hospital admissions as well as reducing the incidence of influenza-related mortality in the older population. The traditional “influenza seasons” are from April to July and November to January when there is a peak in reported cases.
Pneumococcal Pneumonia
This is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia and accounts for approximately 50 per cent of pneumonia cases in hospital. The bacteria can attack different body systems and can result in pneumonia, meningitis, bacteraemia and other life-threatening conditions. Pneumococcus bacteria can also cause middle ear and sinus infections.
The vaccine is recommended for those 65 and above, those with an underlying chronic illness or a weakened immune system, patients who have had a splenectomy or live in long term care facilities.
There are currently two types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Singapore for use in adults. Please consult with your doctor for further advice on this.
Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that affects the mucous membrane of the nose and throat. The bacteria can release a dangerous substance (toxin) into the bloodstream that can damage organs including the heart, brain and kidneys. Tetanus infection causes serious, painful spasms and stiffness in all muscles of the body. It can cause locking of the jaw resulting in difficulties in opening the mouth, swallowing and breathing.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. The infection causes violent, uncontrollable coughing making it hard to breath, eat and drink. After the primary series of doses in childhood, booster vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis should be administered once every ten years (pertussis has become a re-emerging infection recently because of waning immunity in adults) Vaccination is especially important if you have a wound that is likely to become infected or you have close contact with infants. Preteens and teens should get a dose to boost their immunity between the ages of 11 and 12 years. Pregnant ladies should also get a booster dose of the vaccines during the third trimester of every pregnancy to help protect the baby from pertussis in the first few months of life
Varicella zoster (Chickenpox)
The varicella zoster vaccine is given if you did not have chickenpox as a child or adolescent, you are not too sure if you have had chickenpox, or if you are considering pregnancy and don’t know if you are immune to chickenpox. Vaccination reduces the risk of chickenpox by 90 per cent and the risk of severe or fatal complications (pneumonia and encephalitis) by more than 98 per cent. Even those who have been vaccinated, can still catch chicken pox (the vaccine is 90 percent protective). However, the disease is a much milder form with a lower incidence of fever and fewer blisters and scarring.
The recommendation is two doses for all adults (if this was not done in childhood) with at least a four weeks interval after the first dose.
Measles, mumps and rubella
Measles virus can lead to ear infection, pneumonia, seizures and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) Mumps virus can lead to deafness, meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), encephalitis, and painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries Rubella virus, if caught during pregnancy, can have serious implications on the baby resulting deafness, heart abnormalities and brain damage. The MMR vaccine can protect children and adults from all three of these potentially serious diseases. In Singapore, two doses of MMR vaccine have been made compulsory since 1998. You can get the first dose of MMR at any time and repeat with a second dose within at least four weeks.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes precancerous and cancerous lesions on the cervix. It can also cause cancers of the vagina and vulva in women. In men, it can cause penile cancer, cancer of the anus and oral cavity as well as genital warts. Consider the HPV vaccine if you are a woman aged 26 and under and did not receive the vaccination during adolescence. Men aged 26 and under can also consider vaccinating against HPV. For men, the HPV vaccine can help prevent genital warts and reduces the transmission of the virus that causes cervical cancer in women. The recommended three doses over a six months period.
Herpes zoster (Shingles)
Shingles is a painful rash that can develop on one side of the body, face or torso. The rash forms blisters that scab over in 7-10days and clears up in 2-4 weeks. For some people the pain can last for months after the rash has disappeared. This is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) and is the most common complication of shingles. The shingles vaccine is recommended for people aged 60 years and older. It reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51% and PHN by 67%. It is given as a single shot.
Other vaccinations to consider:
Hepatitis A and B vaccines
Hepatitis A causes an acute inflammatory liver condition. The disease is often spread through contaminated food.
Hepatitis B virus can cause an acute infection of the liver. This is a blood borne disease and can be very serious. The virus stays in the liver in some people for the rest of their lives and can result in severe liver disease including liver cancer.
Routine childhood Hepatitis B vaccine was incorporated into the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation programme since 1987. Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine are given over a six month period. For Hepatitis B, three doses of the vaccine are given over a six month period.
Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Salmonella typhi. Typhoid is spread by the faecal-oral route and is associated with poor sanitation and ineffective personal hygiene. Typhoid is endemic to areas of poor sanitation – e.g. Africa, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central and Southern America. Remember to complete your vaccination at least one week before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect. Typhoid vaccination loses effectiveness after three years so re-vaccination with a booster dose is recommended every three years.
Vaccination provides significant protection against infectious diseases and their complications that can cause long-term illness, hospitalisation and even death. The specific immunisations you need as an adult are determined by factors such as your age, lifestyle, occupation, high-risk conditions, types and locations of travel and previous immunisation history.
Please speak to your doctor if you have any further queries or concerns regarding vaccination in adults.
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Introduction
Aesthetic Physician Dr. Tiffiny Yang is a fully qualified medical doctor who previously practiced medicine and surgery in various hospitals before joining International Medical Group, a medical practice with primary focus on medical aesthetics. She can converse fluently in English and Mandarin. Dr. Tiffiny Yang habitually attends international courses and conferences outside of Singapore to keep herself updated with the latest global developments in medical aesthetics practice. These include, amongst others, the annual Minimally Invasive Facial Aesthetics Surgery conference in Japan, where she obtained deep insights into Japanese medical aesthetics techniques. She was also appointed as a trainer for certain courses conducted by the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. In the last 10 years of her practice, Dr. Tiffiny Yang had personally administered botox, facial fillers, medical lasers and various other aesthetic procedures to countless patients, attesting to the breadth of her experience. Her practice methodology is centred on the philosophy that every patient is distinctly different from the other, for which the best beauty solutions need to be curated & tailormade. After more than a decade of medical aesthetics experience, Dr. Tiffiny Yang has managed to codify the various tailor-made solutions specially curated by her for the benefit of each unique individual. Dr. Tiffiny Yang’s curated & tailormade aesthetics methodology has seen many satisfied patients who have been with Tiffiny Yang Aesthetics for many years. A key plank of Dr. Tiffiny’s methodology is to know and understand the key principles of achieving youth and beauty, then applying them adeptly to the many facets of her practice and skincare range. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Clinical Interest & Subspecialty: Neuroradiology (Brain, Head & Neck, Spine) and Neuro-intervention Dr. Santhosh Raj is a Consultant Radiologist with 20 years of experience in radiology. He graduated from Universiti Sains Malaysia in 2002 and obtained the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists (U.K.) in 2008. Upon completing the Advanced Specialist Training (AST) in Singapore in 2013, he joined the Neuroradiology subspecialty team at Singapore General Hospital. In 2015, he completed his training in Neuro-intervention at the National Institute of Clinical Neurosciences in Budapest, Hungary, through the SingHealth Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship. In addition to his routine work, Dr. Santhosh also reports MRI Brain Volumetry scans that are used to assess structural brain degeneration, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). He also reports Ultra Low-Dose (Submilisievert) CT Lung, which allows lung screening at doses lower than routine lung screening CT scans. Other innovative imaging scans that he developed in the past include Intracranial Vessel Wall Imaging (3T MRI), an optimized CT Arterio-Venography (CTAV) of the brain, and an optimized Multiphasic CT Angiography of the Neck and Brain (acute stroke management). His past appointments include Deputy Director of Vascular and Interventional Radiology (SGH), and Director of Radiology Training (SGH). He was also Clinical Lecturer at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (NUS), and Adjunct Assistant Professor at Duke NUS. Dr. Santhosh is particularly interested in imaging informatics and artificial intelligence (AI). He is passionate about teaching and developing innovative imaging scans. He also loves to walk and spend quality time with his family. |
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Introduction
Consultant Radiologist Dr. Eugene Low was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Medical Scholarship in 2001 to study Medicine at the National University of Singapore and attained his MBBS in 2006. Dr Low then trained and obtained his post-graduate qualifications in Diagnostic Radiology FRCR (UK) and MMed (Spore) in 2012. In 2016, he was awarded the Health Manpower Development Program (HMDP) fellowship by the Singapore Armed Forces to train in Musculoskeletal and Interventional Radiology at Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Canada. Under the mentorship of Prof Peter Munk, Prof Bruce Forster and Prof Hugue Ouellette, the fellowship centred on advanced musculoskeletal imaging, sports imaging and musculoskeletal interventions. Upon his return to Singapore and during his tenure as Consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, he started several interventional programmes for tumour ablations (for both palliative and benign), vertebroplasties, hydrodilatation clinics for adhesive capsulitis and other musculoskeletal ultrasound-guided procedures. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Chua Boon Suan graduated from the National University of Singapore. Upon graduation, Dr. Chua has worked in various major restructured hospitals in Singapore, including the Emergency Department of Tan Tock Seng Hospital, General Medicine and General Surgery Departments of Singapore General Hospital, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She was part of the SARS taskforce in TTSH and tended to ill patients with suspected SARS during the outbreak. Following these rotations, she spent the large part of her medical career in primary care in NHG polyclinics. For the last fifteen years, she has been seeing her patients in the Health Screening and Wellness Centres of various hospitals, including TTSH, Mt Alvernia, National University Hospital and Farrer Park Hospital. From her years of experience in primary care, she has developed a special interest in health screening and chronic disease prevention. She believes that patients should understand the potential health issues and identify them before they become symptomatic and difficult to treat. She also takes interest in the management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Dr. Chua is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in Hokkien and Teochew. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr. Shirley Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1998. She was awarded the Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine in 2007. Her clinical experience includes rotations across major restructured hospitals in Singapore. Dr. Lee is a Family Physician, who has interests in Health Screening and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Lee believes in a holistic approach to care for her patients that encompasses physical and mental well-being. Dr. Lee always advocates forming strong collaborative partnerships with her patients to achieve good health outcomes. Dr. Lee is fluent in English and Mandarin, and conversant in most dialects. |
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Introduction
Resident Physician Dr Elizabeth Heah graduated from the University of Manchester in 2018. She has since been practicing in Singapore, with experience from Singapore restructured hospitals in the departments of General Surgery, Internal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about preventative medicine and adopts a holistic approach to healthcare. Outside of medicine she enjoys practicing yoga, interior design and pottery. |