Travel vaccinations and medications are often overlooked by Singaporeans, living in a clean and safe city. We visit safe destinations such as JB, Bali, and Korea without much need for vaccinations. But when the opportunity comes for a big exotic trip to say, South America, India or Nepal, the big question comes — what travel vaccinations should I get?
Depending on your travel destination and duration, you may require different travel vaccinations. Only three simple steps to ensure you’ve got it all covered without complications!
Step 1: Online research on location-based vaccinations and diseases
Identify or list (if it is a long multi-destination trip) the destination(s) of your travel. Click through on the drop-down lists on the Centers for Disease Control and Vaccination for the types of vaccination you’d probably required. Further research on World Health Organization for the risks of diseases you’re potentially exposed to.
Step 2: Schedule for a consultation with a doctor
Four to six weeks before leaving Singapore, meet up with a doctor for consultation. If your travel is long, schedule to meet your doctor two months ahead to ensure that he/she is able to cover all grounds. Some vaccinations, such as the rabies vaccination course (3 doses), require multiple doses.
Where at?
Recommended travel vaccination clinic in Singapore:
Tan Tock Seng Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Located at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), this is my go-to for travel vaccinations. For my trip to Nepal, I had my vaccines sorted out real quick and fuss-free, and at an affordable price.Scroll all the way to the end of this article for its contact details and exact location. Changi General Hospital (CGH), Raffles Hospital, Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and Khoo Teck Puat Hospital (KTPH) also provide travel consultations and vaccines.
Note: Remember to bring a notebook along to write down the information you’ll learn about your trips. You may like to ask further about foods to avoid, and medications to pack too. At this point, please inform the doctor if you are pregnant, have allergies, and other medical concerns or complications.
Step 3: Decide on your vaccines and keep a record of your vaccinations
Sometimes, you may not require all the vaccines that CDC/WHO recommended, or we could be taking a booster shot instead. For example, as kids in Singapore, we received a jab against Hepatitis B when we are babies. We may or may not need another booster shot, and that can be determined by a blood test at the clinic. Likewise for Polio, we may have had a drop of the vaccine in Primary school and require another drop for lifelong immunity. Make wise decisions with your doctor and shield up!
Remember to keep a record of your vaccinations and bring the book along for your trip. Some countries require proof of your vaccination to allow entry, such Yellow Fever for South America.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC)
11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433
Clinic 4B, Level 4, TTSH Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Email address: thvc@ttsh.com.sg
Opening hours
Mondays to Friday: 8am to 5pm
Saturdays: 8am to 12 noon
Sundays and Public Holidays: Closed