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Health has long been associated with wealth. According to this age-old proverb, good health plays a vital role to reaching a prosperous life. Having poor immune system may lead to more abseentiesm at work or at school. Furthermore, you illnesses are usually accompanied by medicines and medical fees. You waste time and money when you are constantly sick.
The good news is that the Ministry of Health (MOH) has established the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) for Singaporeans aged 18 and beyond. You are encouraged to protect yourselves against vaccine-preventable diseases under the NAIS. In the beginning of next month (November 1, 2017), you will be allowed to use your Medisave to acquire recommended vaccinations for the specific population groups that you belong to.
To reduce confusion, I am highlighting that Medisave is different from MediShield. Medisave is the national medical savings account that Singaporeans need to fulfill to cover future medical needs. Individuals or your employers need to regularly contribute as long as you are employed. On the other hand, MediShield is a low-cost medical insurance scheme aimed to pay for larger hospitalization bills.
Now that you are enlightened about Medisave, I must eagerly note that this vaccination scheme is highly encouraged. However, it is not mandated! You are free to discuss your vaccination needs with your trusted physician. You do not want to be allergic to the ingredients of a particular vaccine (e.g., the latest Influenza shot I took was not suitable to individuals who are allergic to egg)! That will only make matters worse.
If you wish to use your Medisave, you must ask your healthcare provider prior to the vaccination. You will be able to use up to S$400 at public healthcare institutions, Medisave-accredited GPs, and private hospitals. The eleven diseases covered by this scheme are:
(i) Influenza;
(ii) Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV23);
(iii) Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4);
(iv) Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap);
(v) Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR);
(vi) Hepatitis B; and
(vii) Varicella.
Let us part ways with the significant words stated by the Senior Minister of State for Health – Dr. Lam Pin Min.
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“Vaccination provides a person with protection against infectious diseases, and is one of the strategies to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks in the community. While the coverage for vaccinations under the National Childhood Immunisation Programme has been high for most of the vaccines, there is low awareness of the benefits of adult vaccination for personal protection and protection of at-risk family members. With the introduction of the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), we hope to encourage Singaporeans to take up the recommendations made in the NAIS, to protect themselves and their loved ones against the relevant infectious diseases.”
