ACCESSIBILITY OF SHINGLES VACCINATION TO THOSE WHO MAY NOT QUALIFY FOR SUBSIDIES AND ALTERNATIVE PREVENTIVE TREATMENTS

NOTICE PAPER NO. 3490

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 4 MARCH 2025

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Yip Hon Weng

MP for Yio Chu Kang

Question No. 7299

To ask the Minister for Health following the introduction of subsidies for shingles vaccination from September 2025 (a) how does the Ministry plan to ensure accessibility and affordability for those who may not qualify for subsidies; and (b) whether there are alternative preventive measures or treatments beyond vaccination to reduce the risk or severity of shingles among seniors.

Written Answer

1 Subsidies will be available to all Singaporeans and Permanent Residents who meet the eligibility criteria for shingles vaccination under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS). These criteria are based on an individual’s susceptibility to shingles infection, or increased risk of complications.

2 Individuals who are not eligible for subsidies are less susceptible to shingles infection. Nevertheless, they can still benefit from the reduced price that the Ministry of Health has negotiated with the vaccine manufacturer, if they receive the vaccine at CHAS GP clinics or public healthcare institutions.