Routine Assessments and Vaccinations for Children

What are routine assessments and vaccinations for children?

From the moment they are born, a child will be measured, weighed, monitored, and assessed. This is primarily to ensure that each child is growing and developing as he/she should but it also monitors their general health, well-being and happiness.

These routine assessments by paediatricians can also be regarded as a preventative health measure, as any potential problems will be identified early and therefore benefit from early intervention. An important element of these routine check-ups, is the administering of vaccinations, in consultation with the official Singapore government immunisation chart based on age for children.

What conditions can be prevented with routine assessments and vaccinations for children?

All aspects of a child’s health are assessed including, height, weight, eyesight, and hearing. It also provides a safe environment for parents to raise any questions or concerns they may have in regards to their child’s development or behaviour.

If there are any abnormalities, your paediatrician will have the best opportunity to detect, diagnose, and treat them if there is a regular routine of consultation. This may prevent potential complications later in life. Conditions that may be prevented or treated early in life may be related to development, behaviour, allergies as well as vision and hearing problems.

The necessity of vaccinations is well-recognised and our children our protected against a range of diseases such as Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Pertussis, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella.

When should your child see a paediatrician for routine assessments and vaccinations?

Your child can see a paediatrician from birth until the age of approximately 17 years old (when he or she will start to consult a doctor for adults) for routine assessments and vaccinations as necessary. There will therefore be a continuity of health care throughout these formative years.

Did you know?

The Singapore Ministry of Health is recommending vaccinations for adults, depending on their age and health.

As a result of the national vaccination programme, Singapore has progressed towards the elimination of endemic measles. To further eliminate sporadic measles cases, Singapore’s vaccination programme has now been amended to vaccinate children with 2 doses of MMR vaccine before age two.¹

How do I keep my child healthy and free from disease?

There are a number of ways to maintain the health of your child. Basic standard advice for parents includes a balanced diet, an active lifestyle, plenty of sleep, and a nurturing, safe environment. Just as importantly, find a paediatrician who you like and trust, and with whom you can build a strong family relationship.

Your child will benefit from regular medical consultations, as a preventative measure but also for the monitoring of general health. By respecting the vaccination schedule, your child will not be put at risk of contracting dangerous diseases.

What kinds of routine assessments and vaccinations for children do our specialists provide?

Our dedicated paediatricians will care for the health and well-being of your child both when he/she or she is well, and sick. During routine visits from birth until the late teenage years, your will be indispensable in a number of ways such as:

– To monitor development and growth – physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially.
– To administer vaccinations.
– To provide advice on health, safety, nutrition, and fitness.
– To diagnose and treat illness, infection, injury, and other health issues.
– To refer you to other specialists if necessary, and accompany you by helping coordinate any additional care required for your child.

[1] Ho HJ, Low C, Ang LW, Cutter JL, Tay J, Chan KP, Ooi PL, Thoon KC, Goh KT. Progress towards measles elimination in Singapore. Vaccine. 2014 Dec 5;32(51):6927-6933. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.10.046.