Vaccinate and Thrive: A Guide to Hepatitis A, B, Influenza, and Pneumococcal Vaccines in Singapore

15 January, 2025 Atlas Associates Clinic by Dr. Atlas Associates Clinic Atlas Associates Clinic All

Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding individual and public health by preventing infectious diseases and their potentially severe consequences. They stimulate the body’s immune system to build defences against specific pathogens, protecting against illnesses that can have life-threatening implications.

In Singapore, the Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended to protect against a range of serious diseases. The Hepatitis A and B vaccines guard against viral infections that can lead to liver inflammation, liver failure, and liver cancer. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The Pneumococcal vaccine safeguards against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.

Vaccines significantly reduce the risk of severe health issues and potential long-term complications by preventing these diseases. Hepatitis B and C are leading causes of liver disease and liver cancer globally, while influenza and pneumococcal infections can result in life-threatening respiratory distress, meningitis, and other invasive infections. Vaccinations offer a safe and effective way to mitigate these risks, promoting overall well-being and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Let us discuss these vaccines in more detail:

Hepatitis A and B Vaccinations in Singapore

Hepatitis A:

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral liver infection primarily transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water or close personal contact with an infected individual. The virus responsible for Hepatitis A, the Hepatitis A virus (HAV), primarily targets the liver cells, leading to inflammation and potential liver damage.

Common symptoms of Hepatitis A include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Dark urine
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

While Hepatitis A is typically self-limiting and resolves on its own within a few weeks, it can cause severe symptoms and potential complications, especially in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or compromised immune systems. In rare cases, Hepatitis A can lead to acute liver failure, which can be life-threatening.

Hepatitis B:

Hepatitis B is a viral infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) that attacks the liver. Unlike Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and liver cancer if left untreated. The virus is primarily transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, making it a significant concern for healthcare workers, individuals with multiple sexual partners, and those who engage in intravenous drug use.

Symptoms of Hepatitis B can range from mild to severe and include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dark urine
  • Joint pain
  • Jaundice

The Hepatitis B vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to prevent infection and its potential long-term consequences. In Singapore, the Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, with the first dose typically administered at birth. However, individuals who have not been vaccinated or have an increased risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers or those with multiple sexual partners, should consider getting vaccinated.

Why Hep A and B Vaccines Matter

Vaccination against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B plays a crucial role in preventing both acute and chronic liver diseases in Singapore’s population. By protecting individuals from these viral infections, vaccinations can effectively reduce the burden of liver-related illnesses and their potential complications.

While typically self-limiting, hepatitis A can lead to severe symptoms and potential complications in individuals with pre-existing liver conditions or compromised immune systems. Vaccination against Hepatitis A helps prevent the transmission of the virus through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact, thereby reducing the risk of acute liver inflammation and potential liver failure.

On the other hand, Hepatitis B poses a significant threat as it can progress to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if left untreated. The Hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in preventing infection and its long-term consequences, such as liver scarring and cancer. By vaccinating individuals, particularly those at increased risk like healthcare workers and individuals with multiple sexual partners, the transmission of the virus can be significantly reduced, ultimately lowering the incidence of chronic liver diseases in Singapore’s population.

When to Get Vaccinated?

Vaccine

Dosing Schedule

Why Take It

Booster Recommendations

Hepatitis A

2-dose schedule, typically given over 6 months.

This vaccine protects against Hepatitis A, a viral infection that affects the liver.

Although not routinely required, this measure may be advisable for individuals at elevated risk.

Hepatitis B

3-dose schedule administered over 6 months.

The vaccine prevents Hepatitis B, a viral infection that can lead to chronic liver disease.

Booster shots are recommended for individuals at risk of ongoing exposure to the virus.

Combined Hepatitis A & B

Given as a 3-dose schedule over 6 months.

This option conveniently protects against multiple viruses simultaneously.

You should consult your doctor about whether you need booster shots, based on your risk of exposure.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Generally, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations are recommended for:

  • Individuals travelling to regions where Hepatitis A and B are prevalent
  • Healthcare workers and emergency responders who may be exposed to bodily fluids
  • Individuals with chronic liver disease, including those with Hepatitis C or cirrhosis
  • Individuals with clotting factor disorders, like haemophilia
  • Men who have sexual relations with other men
  • Individuals who use injection or non-injection drugs
  • Individuals with HIV or undergoing hemodialysis
  • Household members and close personal contacts of Hepatitis B carriers

Certain high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, should receive routine booster doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine to maintain immunity. For others, booster doses may be recommended based on factors like age, immune status, and risk of exposure.

Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and booster recommendations based on your individual risk factors and medical history.

Influenza Vaccination in Singapore

What is Influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a seasonal viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It typically causes fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. The flu virus spreads rapidly through droplets expelled when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Flu outbreaks tend to occur in cyclical patterns, with peak seasons varying from region to region. In tropical climates like Singapore, humid conditions can facilitate the transmission of the virus, as it thrives in warm, moist environments. The flu virus can spread quickly in densely populated areas, making it a significant public health concern.

Singapore experiences influenza outbreaks throughout the year, with peak seasons typically occurring between May and July, and December and February. The cyclical nature of flu outbreaks underscores the importance of annual vaccination, as the virus strains can evolve rapidly, necessitating updated vaccines to provide optimal protection.

Why Influenza Vaccination is Critical

The influenza vaccine plays a crucial role in protecting individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, from severe flu-related complications. The flu can lead to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, especially in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.

By getting vaccinated against influenza, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death. The vaccine stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that can recognise and fight off the flu virus strains included in the vaccine formulation.

The influenza vaccine offers an additional layer of defence against the potentially devastating effects of the flu for high-risk groups. These groups, which include healthcare workers, individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes, and residents of long-term care facilities, are more susceptible to severe complications from influenza. By getting vaccinated, they can better safeguard their health and well-being.

Widespread vaccination not only protects individuals but also contributes to herd immunity, reducing the overall burden of influenza on healthcare systems and communities. By preventing severe cases and reducing transmission, the influenza vaccine plays a vital role in promoting public health and minimising the societal and economic impacts of flu outbreaks.

Who Should Get the Influenza Vaccine?

Influenza vaccine is generally recommended for all individuals aged 6 months and older, with some exceptions based on medical conditions or other factors. However, certain groups are considered high-priority for annual influenza vaccination due to their increased risk of severe complications:

  • Elderly individuals aged 65 years and above
  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged 6 months to 5 years
  • Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems
  • Residents of long-term care facilities
  • Healthcare workers and other essential service providers

Additionally, individuals who live with or care for high-risk individuals should also consider getting vaccinated to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Pneumococcal Vaccine in Singapore

Understanding Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease refers to a group of serious infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. These infections can manifest in various forms, including pneumonia, which affects the lungs; meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; and bloodstream infections, where the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. Pneumococcal disease can lead to life-threatening complications, especially in high-risk groups such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions.

Why the Pneumococcal Vaccine is Vital

Pneumococcal infections can be life-threatening, especially for certain high-risk groups. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable due to their immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe complications from pneumococcal disease. Elderly individuals, aged 65 and above, also face an increased risk due to age-related weakening of the immune system and the presence of underlying medical conditions.

Additionally, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, or those living with chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or heart or lung diseases, are at a higher risk of developing severe pneumococcal infections. These infections can lead to potentially fatal complications like pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

Fortunately, the pneumococcal vaccine provides a crucial line of defence against these life-threatening infections. By stimulating the body’s immune response, the vaccine helps protect against the most common strains of the pneumococcal bacteria responsible for causing these severe illnesses. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of contracting pneumococcal disease and its associated complications, potentially saving lives and preventing long-term disabilities.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines Available in Singapore

There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines available in Singapore:

  1. PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent): This vaccine protects against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, including the most common and virulent strains responsible for causing invasive pneumococcal diseases such as meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia. PCV13 is typically recommended for infants, young children, and certain high-risk groups, including older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic medical conditions.
  2. PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 23-valent): This vaccine offers protection against 23 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria. It is typically recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with certain chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems, such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, or HIV/AIDS. PPSV23 is an important preventive measure for these high-risk groups, helping to safeguard them against severe pneumococcal infections and potential complications.

Recommended Vaccine Schedule

Children:

For children, the recommended pneumococcal vaccine schedule is:

  • PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent) at 4 months old
  • PCV13 at 6 months old
  • PCV13 booster dose at 12 months old

Adults aged 65 and above:

For adults aged 65 and above, the recommended pneumococcal vaccine schedule is:

  1. PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent): This vaccine should be administered first. It provides protection against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria.
  2. PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 23-valent): This vaccine should be given at least 8 weeks after the PCV13 dose. PPSV23 offers broader coverage against 23 different strains of the pneumococcal bacteria.

By receiving both PCV13 and PPSV23 in the recommended sequence, older adults can benefit from comprehensive protection against a wide range of pneumococcal strains, significantly reducing their risk of developing severe pneumococcal infections and potentially life-threatening complications.

Adults with chronic health conditions:

For adults with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, or chronic lung disease, or those who are smokers, it is recommended to receive both the PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent) and PPSV23 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine 23-valent) vaccines. These individuals are at a higher risk of developing severe pneumococcal infections and complications due to their compromised immune systems or underlying health issues. By receiving both vaccines, they can benefit from comprehensive protection against a wide range of pneumococcal strains, significantly reducing their risk of severe illness and potentially life-threatening complications.

Precautions Before Vaccination

Now that you understand the importance of pneumococcal vaccination, it’s essential to consider a few precautions before receiving the vaccine. First, informing your healthcare provider about any pre-existing allergies, prior reactions to vaccines, pregnancy, or ongoing health conditions is crucial before receiving the pneumococcal vaccine. This information will help ensure a safe and effective vaccination process.

Moreover, individuals with a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome or severe allergies should exercise extra caution and consult their healthcare provider for personalised guidance. The healthcare team will carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits to determine the most appropriate course of action, ensuring your well-being remains the top priority.

Final Thoughts

Keeping up with vaccinations is crucial in safeguarding both individual and public health. Vaccines like those for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Pneumococcal disease provide reliable protection, helping to prevent common infections and potentially severe and life-threatening illnesses. By staying on top of your vaccine schedule, you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthier future, minimising the risk of disease for yourself and those around you. Vaccinations are an effective way to strengthen your immune system and reduce the burden of preventable diseases in the community.

For more information or to arrange a personalised vaccination plan, visit Atlas Clinic. Our team is here to provide expert guidance on your healthcare needs. Book an appointment today by calling +65 6956 6577 or emailing us at info@atlasclinic.com.sg.