Maintaining High Measles Vaccination Coverage Through Enhanced Vaccination Programmes

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health what steps is the Government taking to ensure high measles vaccination coverage continues to be maintained in Singapore, including outreach to those not fully vaccinated and making catch-up vaccination efforts in light of the health risk posed by measles.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Under the Infectious Diseases Act, measles vaccination is compulsory for all children aged 12 and below residing in Singapore. All foreign-born children aged 12 years and below applying for long-term immigration passes in Singapore also have to be vaccinated or be immune against measles.

For children who have yet to receive the vaccinations, we send HealthHub notifications and reminder letters to parents, reach out during preschool enrolment where proof of immunity is required, and provide catch-up vaccination in primary and secondary schools.

In some countries, the trust in clinically proven vaccines have unfortunately waned. This explains the spike in measles infection worldwide as societies start to lose their herd immunity. Ultimately, to remain resilient against measles, the Singapore population needs to continue to subscribe to scientific evidence and the benefits of vaccines.