MEASLES AND DIPHTHERIA VACCINATION COVERAGES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS AGED 12 YEARS AND BELOW

NOTICE PAPER NO. 571
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 6 MARCH 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Fadli Fawzi
MP for Aljunied GRC

Question No. 1165
To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health with regard to the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule (a) what is the compliance rate for Singaporeans and foreign students, including permanent residents; and (b) whether any actions have been taken against parents who do not comply over the past 10 years.

Answer

1        Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), measles and diphtheria vaccinations are compulsory for children aged 12 and below who are residing in Singapore. In 2024, the measles vaccination coverages at two and seven years were 93% and 97% respectively. For diphtheria, the vaccination coverages at two and eleven years of age were 89% and 95% respectively. The vaccination coverage rate for Singaporeans and Permanent Resident children have both remained high for years and can be found in the Reports on Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore.

2        Foreign students aged 12 years and below are required to submit documented proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for diphtheria and measles to the National Immunisation Registry for verification before applying for long-term immigration passes in Singapore.

3        Because of these measures and co-operation of all students and their families, we could maintain the herd immunity against measles and diphtheria.