And we don’t mean those that come in little glasses!
We are often diligent with our children’s vaccinations however we may neglect to think about our own. Even if you have completed your childhood vaccinations, you still need to update some vaccines regularly.
Diphtheria/tetanus vaccines should be given once every ten years. This is usually combined with the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. This is especially crucial for new parents as whooping cough can be transmitted to newborns.
Living in Singapore, you should also ensure you are covered against Hepatitis B.
Chickenpox is an unpleasant illness in adults, who are more likely to suffer from complications, such as pneumonia and secondary bacterial infections. So if you managed to escape the spots as a child you should consider having the vaccine.
If you travel often or have certain medical conditions, you should consider an annual or twice-annual influenza vaccination. The frequency will depend on the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for that year which IMC will share in our newsletters. As we are in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that everyone should have an influenza vaccination.
All adults above 65 years and younger people with compromised immunity or chronic medical problems like diabetes, heart, lung, liver and kidney diseases should have vaccinations against pneumonia.
You should have your vaccination history reviewed if you are:
- Planning a pregnancy (both mother and father)
- Already pregnant
- Looking after a newborn baby (parents, helpers and grandparents)
- A school teacher or healthcare worker
- Older than 65 years old
- Have medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, liver problems, alcoholism, kidney disease or problems with your immunity.
- Traveling
- Relocating
At IMC, vaccines can be reviewed in a health screening, in a separate vaccination appointment or ask the receptionists to book extra time at your next appointment.
Dr Lim Hui Ling is the Medical Director of IMC and sees patients at our Jelita clinic. She has been with IMC for 18 years. Call 6465 4440 to book an appointment with Dr Lim.
