PROTECTION MEASURES FOR VACCINATION-INELIGIBLE INFANTS AGAINST MEASLES OUTBREAK IN SINGAPORE

NOTICE PAPER NO. 538

NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR WRITTEN ANSWER

FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON OR AFTER 26 FEBRUARY 2026

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Christopher de Souza

MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC

Question No. 1079

To ask the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) what is the Ministry's latest assessment of the rise in measles cases in Singapore, including possible undetected local transmission; and (b) what additional measures are being taken to protect vulnerable groups such as infants too young for vaccination from the serious health complications posed by measles.

Answer

1        The Member may refer to the replies to Parliamentary Questions No. 1455 and 1080 for the Sittings on 24 and 26 February 2026. The recent increase in measles cases in Singapore is largely driven by a global resurgence of measles. Singapore remains vulnerable to imported cases and small clusters due to pockets of unvaccinated individuals and high travel volumes from measles outbreak areas. Nonetheless, there is currently no evidence of sustained community transmission of measles.

2        To protect vulnerable groups, particularly infants under 12 months who are not yet due for vaccination, we rely on maintaining high population immunity. We continue to maintain robust surveillance systems to detect and respond to cases, and monitor vaccination coverage closely to maintain high immunisation rates.