What if my baby misses a booster jab?

If your baby misses a booster jab, you should make a new appointment to give your baby the vaccinations as soon as possible. Your baby can continue his/her immunisation schedule without having to start again. It is also very important to note that your baby may be unprotected until they get all the vaccinations that they missed.

Should I proceed with the vaccine if he has a fever?

If your child is feeling unwell or sick with a fever, then it is highly recommended to delay the immunisation. Otherwise, it is fine to go ahead if he has a simple cold or other minor illnesses.

Is the 6-in-1 vaccine better than the 5-in-1 since it costs more? What is the difference?

The 6-in-1 vaccinations are not better than the 5-in-1 vaccinations as they are different vaccine formulations. These vaccine formulations combine vaccines against 5 or 6 diseases into one single injection depending on the vaccine. The 5-in-1 injection combines vaccines against Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Polio and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) into 1 injection.

On the other hand, the 6-in-1 injection combines vaccines against Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT), Polio, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) and Hepatitis B into 1 injection. Since the 6 in 1 jab is combined with the hepatitis B vaccine, it is more costly. However, if you have opted for 5 in 1, your baby will need two additional hepatitis B injections.

These questions were answered by Dr Christina Low, Medical Director at Lifescan Medical Centre.

Practice address:
Lifescan Medical Centre (A Subsidiary of Singapore Medical Group)
290 Orchard Road #07-18 to 20 Singapore 238859
(via Tower 2, Lift Lobby C)
Tel: 6235 3253
Website: lifescanmedical.sg

This article was first published in The New Age Parents e-magazine.

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