Debated in Parliament on 6 Mar 2026.
Fadli Fawzi asked about the compliance rates of the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule for Singaporeans, foreign students, and Permanent Residents, as well as actions taken against non-compliance over the past decade. Ong Ye Kung reported that vaccination rates for measles and diphtheria among children under 12 in Singapore are high, with 2024 coverage rates of 93% and 97% for measles, and 89% and 95% for diphtheria at ages two and eleven, respectively. Foreign students must provide proof of vaccination or immunity documentation to the National Immunisation Registry for long-term immigration passes, which has helped maintain herd immunity against these diseases. There was no mention of actions taken against non-compliant parents.
Mr Fadli Fawzi asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health with regard to the National Childhood and Adolescent Immunisation Schedule (a) what is the compliance rate for Singaporeans and foreign students, including Permanent Residents; and (b) whether any actions have been taken against parents who do not comply over the past 10 years.
Under the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), measles and diphtheria vaccinations are compulsory for children aged 12 and below who are residing in Singapore. In 2024, the measles vaccination coverages at two and seven years were 93% and 97% respectively. For diphtheria, the vaccination coverages at two and eleven years of age were 89% and 95% respectively. The vaccination coverage rate for Singaporeans and Permanent Resident children have both remained high for years and can be found in the Reports on Communicable Diseases Surveillance in Singapore.
Foreign students aged 12 years and below are required to submit documented proof of vaccination or evidence of immunity for diphtheria and measles to the National Immunisation Registry for verification before applying for long-term immigration passes in Singapore.
Because of these measures and co-operation of all students and their families, we could maintain the herd immunity against measles and diphtheria.