Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are travel vaccines? 
Travel vaccines, also known as travel immunisations or travel shots, are essential for protecting yourself against illnesses that may be common in other parts of the world. These vaccines are crucial in safeguarding you from diseases that you may not usually be exposed to in Singapore.
2. Why are travel vaccines important?
- Protection from diseases. Many countries have specific health risks, and getting vaccinated reduces your chances of contracting or spreading
- Safe and healthy travels. Falling ill overseas can ruin your travel plans and lead to unexpected medical expenses. Vaccinations help prevent this, keeping your trip smooth and ensuring you’re in good health when you return to work after your trip.
- Global health responsibility. Vaccines protect individual travellers and help prevent the spread of diseases across borders, which is critical in our increasingly interconnected world.
- Travel requirements. Some countries require proof of vaccination for entry. Without the necessary vaccinations, you may be denied entry or compelled to get vaccinated upon arrival.
3. When should I take the vaccines?
Each vaccine has a different timeline for building immunity, and it takes time for your body to develop protection against the specific disease. It’s important to follow the recommended schedule for each vaccine to ensure optimal immunity.
| Vaccine | Recommended Schedule |
| Flu | At least 2 weeks before departure |
| Yellow Fever | At least 10 days before departure to countries that require proof of vaccination for entry |
| Meningococcal | At least 2 weeks before departure |
| Typhoid | At least 2 weeks before departure |
If you need multiple vaccines, the recommended scheduling is at least 1 month before your travel date. This allows for the vaccines to be spaced out over multiple visits, reducing the risk of side effects.
4. What is the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus, which causes respiratory illness. It is updated annually to match the most common circulating strains of the flu virus and is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older, especially high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, and healthcare workers.
To learn more about the flu vaccine and how it protects you, read more here.
5. What is the yellow fever vaccine?
The yellow fever vaccine provides immunity and lifetime protection against yellow fever, a highly infectious disease spread by mosquitoes in parts of Africa, Central America, and South America. It is recommended for travellers visiting areas where yellow fever is prevalent. Read more here.
6. What is the meningococcal vaccine?
The meningococcal vaccine protects against certain types of meningococcal bacteria, which can cause meningitis (a serious infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) as well as septicaemia (blood infection). The vaccine is recommended for travellers to high-risk areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa, and those performing Haj/Umrah in Saudi Arabia.
7. What is the typhoid vaccine?
The typhoid vaccine protects against typhoid fever, a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella Typhi, which is spread through contaminated food and water. It is recommended for travellers to regions where typhoid fever is common, such as South Asia, Africa, and parts of Central and South America. Read more here.
8. Do I need to book an appointment for my vaccination?
No, you do not need an appointment. Simply walk in to Parkway Shenton Medical Clinic, located at Esplanade MRT.
9. I would like to make an enquiry on the vaccination. How do I contact Parkway Shenton Medical Clinic?
You may call Parkway Shenton at 6887 0151 or drop an enquiry using the webform here.
