Pregnancy is one of the most special and delicate times in a woman’s life. During this period, your immune system naturally changes to support your growing baby. That’s why staying up to date with key vaccinations is not just important for your health, but also your baby’s protection in the early months after birth.
Here’s a simple guide to the essential mom and baby vaccinations and how each one helps.
Vaccines for moms-to-be
1️⃣ Hepatitis B Vaccine
When: Before or during pregnancy (if not already immune)
Why it matters: Hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby during childbirth. If you are at risk or unsure of your vaccination history, your doctor may recommend testing and vaccination to prevent transmission. This vaccine requires 3 doses.
2️⃣ Influenza (Flu) Vaccine
When: Any stage of pregnancy
Why it matters: Pregnant women are more vulnerable to severe complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. Getting the flu shot protects both you and your baby. The antibodies you build are passed on, giving your newborn protection in their first few months of life.
💡 Tip: The flu jab is updated yearly, so make sure yours is current.
3️⃣ COVID-19 Vaccine (and boosters)
When: Any trimester
Why it matters: Unlike earlier years, the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a must-have for pregnancy. But if you have underlying conditions, higher exposure risk, or simply want extra protection, you can opt for it. The vaccination also helps reduce risks and provides your baby with passive immunity at birth.
4️⃣ Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine
When: Between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy (ideal window for protection transfer)
Why it matters: The “P” in Tdap, pertussis (whooping cough), can be especially dangerous for newborns. Vaccination during pregnancy ensures your baby receives protective antibodies before birth, guarding them until they’re old enough for their first jab.
5️⃣ RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine (Abrysvo)
When: Between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
Why it matters: The RSV vaccine is a newer option that protects newborns from serious respiratory infections like bronchiolitis and pneumonia during their first six months of life. It works by transferring protective antibodies from mother to baby before birth.
Vaccines for babies
Under the Singapore law, there are two vaccines that are legally compulsory:
1. Diphtheria: Required under the Infectious Diseases Act
2. Measles: Required under the Infectious Diseases Act
While only two are legally mandatory, the Ministry of Health strongly recommends the full National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) for optimal protection.
Aside from the vaccines part of the schedule, below are some optional vaccines that your doctor may recommend based on medical history or travel plans.
1️⃣ Rotavirus Vaccine
When: 2 months old
Why it matters: Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhoea in babies and can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in young infants. In more serious cases, babies may need to be hospitalised for fluids and monitoring. The vaccine helps reduce both the chance of infection and the severity of symptoms, making it much easier for your little one to recover.
2️⃣ Pneumococcal Vaccines (PCV15 or PCV20)
When: 2 months old
Why it matters: Pneumococcal bacteria can cause infections like ear infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Because babies’ immune systems are still developing, these illnesses can become serious quite quickly. Vaccination helps protect against these complications and lowers the risk of hospitalisation.
3️⃣ Hepatitis A Vaccine
When: 12 months old
Why it matters: Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces, which can be hard to avoid once your child starts crawling, exploring, and putting everything in their mouth. The vaccine helps protect against an infection that can cause fever, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
Always check with your obstetrician before getting any live vaccines (such as MMR or varicella), which are not recommended during pregnancy.
4️⃣ Meningococcal Vaccine
When: 15 months old
Why it matters: Although meningococcal disease is rare, it can progress very quickly and lead to serious conditions such as meningitis or bloodstream infections. Early symptoms may seem mild at first, so getting vaccinated gives your baby an added layer of protection during this vulnerable stage.
Vaccination Costs in Singapore 2026
At public polyclinics
| Cost per Vaccine | |
| Singapore Citizen | $10-30 (after subsidies) |
| Permanent Resident | $20-50 (after subsidies) |
| Foreigners | $40-100 |
At private clinics:
Private GP clinics and paediatric specialists typically charge $50-150 per vaccine.
If convenience matters to you, services like Speedoc can help take one thing off your plate by bringing vaccinations right to your doorstep. It is a simpler way to stay on track without needing to rearrange your day, especially when you already have so much going on.
You can also get up to 23% off when you book a vaccination appointment with Speedoc, making it a little easier to prioritise both your health and your baby’s protection.
Use Aima to keep track of your vaccination schedule. With Supermom’s 24/7 AI chatbot, you can get personalised guidance based on your life stage, helping you understand which vaccines to take and when. So you can move forward with more confidence week by week.
