Measles vaccination in Singapore: MMR eligibility, CHAS subsidies and family guidance

Recent reports of rising measles cases in Singapore have led to enhanced public health measures, including mandatory isolation and contact tracing. While overall immunity levels in Singapore remain high, this serves as an important reminder for families to review their vaccination status, particularly in households with young children, elderly family members, or caregivers.

As healthcare providers, we are seeing more families ask similar questions:Are we protected? Are our children fully vaccinated? Is the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine subsidised?

Understanding the following can help families take simple, preventive steps with confidence.

Measles is sometimes mistaken for a bad flu with a rash. While many people recover fully, it is an extremely contagious viral infection. In a compact and highly connected city like Singapore, it spreads easily through shared spaces such as schools, childcare centres, public transport, and within households.

Singapore’s national vaccination programme is designed not only to protect individuals, but also to protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns and people undergoing certain medical treatments. When families stay up to date with vaccinations, they help break the chain of transmission and protect the wider community.

Symptoms to Watch For:

• High fever and a persistent cough
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• A signature rash that begins on the face and travels downward

For most, it’s a week of feeling very unwell. But for infants under 12 months, the elderly, or those with weakened immune systems, complications can be severe. In a multi-generational Singaporean household, protecting the youngest often starts with the adults around them.

The good news is that Singapore’s healthcare framework makes staying protected straightforward and affordable through the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) and the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).

The Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine helps prevent all three infections. MMR vaccines contain weakened live viruses, which stimulate the body’s immune response but do not cause measles, mumps, or rubella in healthy individuals. The MMR vaccine is a combination vaccine given as a single injection just underneath the skin, and protection is achieved through a series of two doses under both NCIS and NAIS.

For your children

MMR vaccination is a standard, compulsory part of growing up in Singapore.

• Vaccination Schedule: Two doses, typically given at 12 months and 15 months.
• Vaccination Cost/Fees: For Singaporean children, these are fully subsidised (no out-of-pocket cost) at all Polyclinics and participating CHAS GP clinics including HMI OneCare Clinics.

For adults

Many of us haven't looked at our immunization records since primary school. You should consider a "top-up" or check your status if you are a frequent traveler, work in a high-traffic environment, or have a new baby at home.

• Vaccination Subsidies: If you are a Singapore Citizen, you can access subsidised MMR vaccinations at CHAS GP clinics such as HMI OneCare Clinics.
• Vaccination Benefit: Your co-payment is capped based on your CHAS card color (Blue, Orange, or Green), and if you’re enrolled in Healthier SG.
  
  With CHAS vaccination subsidies, out-of-pocket costs at HMI OneCare Clinics range from $0 to $49.05. The standard fee (without subsidy, for Singapore PRs and foreigners) for MMR vaccination is $49.05 inclusive of GST.

For helpers and migrant domestic workers

Since September 2025, there has been a noticeable increase in MMR vaccination uptake following the joint announcement by the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Health and the Communicable Diseases Agency that measles immunity requirements for migrant domestic workers will be introduced from 1 September 2025.

This measure was put in place to strengthen public health resilience and to better protect unvaccinated young children who are at higher risk of serious complications from measles infection. Across our primary care clinics including HMI OneCare clinics, we have since vaccinated a significant number of migrant domestic workers in line with these new requirements, as part of broader efforts to support household and community protection.

If your helper recently arrived in Singapore or changed employers, vaccination records may not always be readily available, which is common and manageable. You can arrange a vaccination or a check:

• Book an appointment at a GP clinic that provides MMR vaccination
• Bring your helper’s passport or work permit, if available
• Let the clinic know the visit is for MMR vaccination or immunity assessment

Most Singaporeans can view their digital vaccination records through HealthHub, without needing to locate physical health booklets:

1. Log in to HealthHub: Most Singaporeans can find their digital vaccination records there.
2. Consult your family physician or GP: If your records are incomplete or you grew up overseas, your GP can advise if you need a booster or a simple blood test (serology) to check your immunity levels.
3. Stay informed: If you or a family member feels unwell with a high fever and a rash, the responsible thing to do is see a doctor early and avoid crowded places until you get the all-clear.

If records are incomplete or if you grew up overseas, your family GP can advise whether vaccination or immunity testing is needed. Anyone who develops a high fever with a rash should seek medical advice early and avoid crowded places until medically cleared.

Vaccination is a quiet, effective way to keep our community resilient. We recommend that families:

• Check that children have completed their MMR vaccinations on schedule
• Review adult vaccination history — don’t assume immunity if unsure
• Seek medical advice early if anyone develops fever, cough, red eyes, or rash
• Avoid close contact with others if unwell, especially after travel

MMR vaccination is available at CHAS GP clinics like HMI OneCare Clinics, with subsidies for eligible Singaporeans under NCIS and NAIS.

Checking measles immunity for everyone at home, including helpers, is a practical way to reduce risk and protect the most vulnerable. If you’re unsure where to start, your family GP can guide you on the next steps.