Quick answer. Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) sets out recommended vaccines for adults aged 18 and above, including influenza (yearly), pneumococcal (PCV20 for those 65+ and at-risk adults), Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B, varicella, and shingles (Shingrix for those 60+ and immunocompromised adults 18-59). Eligible Singaporeans and PRs can get subsidies, and MediSave can be used for selected NAIS vaccines at participating providers.
Vaccination is not just for children. Protection from some childhood vaccines wanes over time, new vaccines become relevant as we age, and certain health conditions raise the risk of severe infection. Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), set by the Ministry of Health, lists the vaccines recommended for adults aged 18 and above according to age and risk factors. This guide summarises the main NAIS vaccines and how subsidies and MediSave can help with cost. It is general information and complements, but does not replace, advice from your doctor. Childhood and HPV vaccination are covered in separate guides.
At a glance
| Vaccine | Who it is recommended for | Doses |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | All adults, yearly | 1 dose each year/season |
| Pneumococcal (PCV20) | Adults 65+ and at-risk 18-64 | As advised |
| Tdap | Adults; 1 dose in each pregnancy (16-32 weeks) | Per schedule |
| Shingles (Shingrix) | Adults 60+; immunocompromised 18-59 | 2 doses |
| MMR | Non-immune adults | 2 doses |
| Hepatitis B / Varicella | Non-immune / at-risk adults | 3 doses / 2 doses |
What the NAIS is
The National Adult Immunisation Schedule is Singapore’s official guide to recommended vaccinations for adults aged 18 and over. It groups recommendations by age band (for example 18-26, 27-59, 60-64 and 65 and above) and by risk factors such as chronic medical conditions, pregnancy and weakened immunity. Following the NAIS helps adults stay protected against vaccine-preventable diseases that can be more serious in adulthood. Your GP or polyclinic can review which NAIS vaccines you are due for.
Influenza and pneumococcal
Influenza vaccination is recommended for adults every year (or each season), as the circulating strains and your immunity change over time; it is especially important for older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic conditions. For pneumococcal disease, the NAIS recommends PCV20 for all adults aged 65 and above, and for adults aged 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of severe pneumococcal infection. These two vaccines together substantially reduce the risk of serious chest infections.
Tdap, MMR, hepatitis B and varicella
Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough); one dose is recommended in each pregnancy, typically between 16 and 32 weeks, to protect the newborn. Adults without evidence of immunity may need MMR (two doses) to guard against measles, mumps and rubella, and varicella (two doses) if they have never had chickenpox or the vaccine. Hepatitis B vaccination (a three-dose course) is recommended for non-immune adults at risk. Your doctor will check your history before recommending these.
Shingles (Shingrix)
Shingles is a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus, and its risk and complications rise with age. The NAIS recommends the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, for all adults aged 60 and above, and for immunocompromised adults aged 18 to 59. It is given as a two-dose course. Shingles and pneumococcal protection were among the more recent additions strengthening the adult schedule, reflecting the burden of these conditions in older Singaporeans.
Subsidies and MediSave
To make recommended vaccines more affordable, the Government subsidises selected NAIS vaccines for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents at polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics. MediSave can also be used to help pay for selected NAIS vaccinations at participating providers, within the relevant MediSave limits. Coverage and the list of subsidisable vaccines are updated over time, so check current eligibility with your clinic. Bring identification and ask the provider what subsidy or MediSave applies to you.
How to get up to date
Start by booking a review with your regular GP, a polyclinic or a Healthier SG-enrolled clinic. Bring any vaccination records you have. The clinician will check your age, health conditions, pregnancy status and immunisation history against the NAIS and recommend which vaccines you are due for, including any catch-up doses. If you are also planning overseas travel, mention it, as you may need additional travel-specific vaccines beyond the routine NAIS list.
What to expect at the appointment
A NAIS review is usually quick. Your GP, polyclinic or Healthier SG clinic will check your age, health conditions, pregnancy status and any vaccination records you bring, then recommend which vaccines you are due for and whether any catch-up doses are needed. Some vaccines can be given on the same visit; multi-dose courses such as hepatitis B are spread over weeks to months. After a jab you may be asked to wait a short while for observation. Mild, short-lived soreness at the injection site, a low fever or tiredness are common and settle on their own.
How to prepare and keep good records
Bring identification and any vaccination booklets, overseas records or screenshots from the HealthHub app, as these help avoid unnecessary repeat doses. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, breastfeeding, immunocompromised, or have had a serious reaction to a vaccine before, as this affects which vaccines are suitable and their timing. If you take blood thinners, mention this too. Keeping your own updated record after each visit makes future reviews and any travel planning much simpler.
Costs, subsidies and MediSave
NAIS recommendations are based on health benefit, not cost, but several schemes help with affordability. For eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents, the Government subsidises selected NAIS vaccines at polyclinics and CHAS GP clinics, and subsidy coverage has been expanded for certain vaccines over time. MediSave can also be used towards the cost of selected NAIS vaccinations at participating providers, within the applicable MediSave limits. Because the subsidisable list and the rules are updated periodically, it is best to confirm current eligibility, the out-of-pocket cost and what MediSave will cover directly with your clinic before your appointment.
Special situations
Pregnant women, older adults, and people with diabetes, heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, or weakened immunity often have additional or earlier recommendations because infections can be more severe for them. Live vaccines such as MMR and varicella are generally avoided in pregnancy and significant immunosuppression, so timing and choice are tailored by your doctor. If you are also planning overseas travel, raise this early, as you may need travel-specific vaccines on top of the routine NAIS list.
Common questions
Do I need the flu vaccine every year?
Yes. Influenza strains and your immunity change over time, so an annual dose is recommended, particularly for older adults, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions.
Where do I start if I have no records?
Book a review with your regular GP, a polyclinic or a Healthier SG clinic. The clinician can assess your history and, where needed, recommend a sensible catch-up plan.
Related guides
- Best Travel & Vaccination Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- Travel vaccines
- Yellow fever
- Malaria prevention
Sources
- MOH – New Shingles and Pneumococcal Vaccines Added to NAIS
- MOH – Subsidies for NAIS Vaccines
- HealthHub – National Adult Immunisation Schedule
- SingHealth Polyclinics – NAIS
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