Tdap Vaccine in Singapore
What Is the Tdap Vaccine?
The Tdap vaccine is designed to protect against three bacterial infections:
- Tetanus, or "lockjaw," causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms and can be life-threatening.
- Diphtheria primarily affects the respiratory system and can lead to breathing issues, heart problems, and paralysis.
- Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory disease characterised by violent, uncontrollable coughing, which can make it difficult to breathe.
The vaccine boosts immunity against these diseases, helping to prevent their spread, particularly to those at higher risk, such as newborns and individuals unable to receive vaccinations.
Tdap vs. DTaP Vaccine
Both Tdap and DTaP vaccines protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. However, they target different age groups and vary in their composition. The DTaP vaccine is designed for infants and is given as a series of doses throughout early childhood. In contrast, Tdap serves as a booster for older children, teenagers, and adults, containing smaller amounts of diphtheria and pertussis to reduce side effects while maintaining protection.
How Does Tdap Vaccine Work?
The Tdap vaccine works by prompting the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the toxins generated by the bacteria responsible for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. In the case of tetanus, the vaccine helps neutralise the Clostridium tetani toxins, preventing muscle stiffness and spasms. For diphtheria and pertussis, the vaccine helps minimise respiratory symptoms and curbs the spread of these infectious diseases.
Who Is the Tdap Vaccine Recommended for?
In Singapore, vaccination against diphtheria is legally required. As part of the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS),
children receive a series of DTaP vaccine doses from 2 to 18 months of age, followed by a Tdap booster
at 10-11 years old. For adults, the Tdap vaccine is recommended for those with certain medical
conditions, those who have not been vaccinated before, or if it has been over 10 years since their last
dose.
Vaccination against diphtheria is mandatory under Singapore law. Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS),
children receive multiple DTaP doses starting from 2 months up to 18 months of age, with a Tdap booster
administered between 10 and 11 years old. For adults, a Tdap booster is advised for individuals with
certain medical conditions, those who have never been vaccinated, or if their last dose was over 10
years ago.
How Is the Tdap Vaccine Administered?
The Tdap vaccine is given as an injection, either into the muscle or just beneath the skin.
Tdap Vaccine Dose & Schedule
The recommended Tdap vaccine dosage schedule is as follows:
| Vaccination | Vaccine Dosage & Schedule |
|---|---|
| Tdap Vaccine | 1 dose: With a tetanus booster every 10 years |
If you are unsure of your vaccination status, it's important to speak with your doctor.
How Long Does the Tdap Vaccine Last?
The immunity from the Tdap vaccine lasts about 10 years. Booster doses are recommended every decade to ensure ongoing protection.
Tdap Vaccine Side Effects
Some people may experience minor side effects such as dizziness, pain or redness at the injection site, and headaches. These reactions are usually mild and temporary, but you should seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.
Uncommon but Severe Reactions to Look Out for After Your Vaccination
In rare cases, vaccinations may trigger severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face or eyes,
breathing difficulties, or widespread itchy rashes. Should any of these symptoms occur, immediate
medical attention is required.
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of potential side effects. The
information provided should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor if you
have any concerns before receiving a vaccination.
Tdap Vaccine Price in Singapore
| Vaccination | Price* |
|---|---|
| Tdap Vaccine | $58.86/dose |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Subsidies for the Tdap vaccine are available for pregnant women holding Non-CHAS / CHAS Green, Merdeka
Generation (MG), and Pioneer Generation (PG) cards. For more details, feel free to reach out to our
helpful staff.
For home-based, group, or corporate
vaccinations, please contact us for more information.
How Do I Book a Tdap Vaccination Appointment in Singapore?
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Get your vaccinations done quickly at our travel clinics.
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Certificates of immunisation will be provided.
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Customer service is a top priority for us at ATA Medical.
Your vaccination will also be updated to the National Immunisation Registry (NIR) where relevant, this will allow you to keep a record of the vaccinations.
The Importance of Vaccinations
Vaccinations play a vital role in strengthening the immune system, enabling it to more effectively combat specific
infectious diseases. By reducing the likelihood of contracting serious illnesses, vaccinations help decrease the
need for frequent doctor visits and significantly lower the risk of hospitalisation.
Keeping up with recommended vaccinations allows individuals to lead a healthier lifestyle, confidently engaging in
social activities with the assurance that they are protected against contagious diseases.
At healthscreening.sg, we offer a comprehensive range of
vaccination options tailored to your health needs, from travel-related to seasonal protection, ensuring your
health is thoroughly safeguarded. Your vaccination will be updated in the National
Immunisation Registry (NIR) where applicable, allowing you to maintain a record of your immunisations.
Travel Clinics in Singapore
ATA Medical is conveniently located at two different locations:
- Tanjong Pagar Medical Clinic (Closest MRT: Tanjong Pagar EW15)
- Orchard Clinic (Closest MRT: Orchard Boulevard TE13)
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Health Screening Singapore
(Anson House)
Health Screening Singapore
(Camden Medical Centre)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Tdap vaccine provides protection against three major bacterial infections: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). It's primarily given as a booster to maintain immunity in older children, teens, and adults.
Adults are advised to get a Tdap booster dose every 10 years to keep their immunity strong.
No, they are not the same. While Tdap offers protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, the tetanus vaccine (Td) only targets tetanus and diphtheria.
In Singapore, the Tdap vaccine provides immunity for about 10 years, so booster shots are recommended every decade to stay protected.
Yes, getting the Tdap vaccine is important for maintaining immunity against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, especially if it's been over 10 years since your last dose.
If it has been more than 10 years since your last Tdap shot, it's wise to get a booster to protect infants, as they are highly vulnerable to pertussis. The vaccine reduces the risk of spreading this contagious illness.
At ATA Medical, a single dose of the Tdap vaccine costs $58.86 NETT. There are subsidies available for certain groups, including pregnant women with Non-CHAS, CHAS Green, Merdeka Generation (MG), or Pioneer Generation (PG) cards.
Yes, it is completely safe to receive the Tdap vaccine more than once. In fact, booster doses are recommended every 10 years to ensure lasting immunity.
No, the protection from Tdap does not last a lifetime. Its immunity lasts around 10 years, after which booster doses are required to keep up protection.
Fatigue is not a typical side effect of the Tdap vaccine, though some may experience mild reactions like dizziness, pain, or redness where the injection is given.
No, they are quite different. Tdap is a vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, whereas tuberculosis (TB) is a separate bacterial infection with its own vaccine called BCG.
Yes, it's recommended to get a tetanus booster (Tdap or Td) every 10 years to keep your immunity against tetanus strong.
Tetanus is quite uncommon in Singapore, thanks to the country’s thorough immunisation program.
Only diphtheria and measles vaccinations are legally mandated under Singapore's immunisation schedule for children.
The Tdap vaccine at ATA Medical is priced at $58.86 per dose (NETT), and subsidies may be available for eligible groups, including pregnant women holding Non-CHAS, CHAS Green, MG, or PG cards.