Vaccination · Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal Vaccine in Singapore

Name: Pneumococcal Vaccine in Singapore
Creator: Dr Joel Foo

Pneumovax 23 and Prevenar 13 pneumococcal vaccine boxes, used against pneumonia and meningitis in Singapore

Pneumovax® 23 (MSD) and Prevenar® 13 (Pfizer) — two of the pneumococcal vaccines used in Singapore

MediSave-Claimable
Pneumonia & Meningitis
Adults 65+ & At-Risk
Same-Day Appointment

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against bacterial pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection. HPB recommends it for adults aged 65 and above, and for younger adults with diabetes or chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease.

Vaccine Name	Prevenar® 13, Prevenar® 20, Pneumovax® 23
Protects Against	Pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection
Vaccine Type	Conjugate (PCV) and polysaccharide (PPSV) — both non-live
Schedule	PCV13 / PCV20: 1 dose for most adults; 3-dose infant series at 4, 6 and 12 months PPSV23: 1 dose, usually given after PCV13 for eligible adults
Best timing	Any time — often given at the same visit as the flu vaccine
Price	From $0 NETT per dose depending on age, health status, Healthier SG enrolment and CHAS, MG or PG subsidies
Where	Jurong (Dr Joel), Tanjong Pagar, Orchard and Novena — each beside an MRT station. See addresses
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Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician

Last updated: Aug 14, 2026

What Does the Pneumococcal Vaccine Protect Against?

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae — a common bacterium that lives in the nose and throat of many healthy people but can cause serious disease when it spreads. The illnesses it triggers include:

Pneumonia — lung infection, the most common form of invasive pneumococcal disease in adults
Meningitis — infection of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord
Bacteraemia — bloodstream infection (sepsis)
Acute otitis media and sinusitis — middle-ear and sinus infections, more common in children

Pneumococcal disease is usually mild in healthy younger adults, but can be severe or life-threatening in older adults, smokers, and people with chronic conditions. According to the World Health Organization, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable death worldwide.

Vaccination does not cover every cause of pneumonia — some pneumonias are viral (influenza, COVID-19) or caused by other bacteria — but it protects against the single most common bacterial cause and substantially reduces the risk of severe outcomes.

Should I Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

Under HPB's National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), single-dose PCV20 is recommended for:

All adults aged 65 and above, regardless of underlying health
Adults aged 18 to 64 with chronic medical conditions — chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, or diabetes mellitus
Adults who are immunocompromised — for example, on cancer treatment, long-term steroids, biologics, or living with HIV
People with anatomic or functional asplenia (spleen removed surgically, or functionally reduced due to sickle cell disease or other causes)
People with cochlear implants or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak

Beyond the NAIS list, international guidance (US CDC / ACIP) also recognises smokers and adults with chronic alcohol use as higher risk of severe pneumococcal pneumonia, even if these are not on Singapore's NAIS-funded list. If none of the above apply but you would like extra protection — for example before international travel — it is reasonable to discuss this with your doctor at the visit.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccine & Schedule

Three pneumococcal vaccines are available at our Jurong clinic, all registered with the HSA and listed on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list. Two are conjugate vaccines (PCV) — they generate a stronger, longer-lasting immune response — and one is a polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV), which covers more strains but produces a shorter-lived response.

PCV20 (Prevenar 20) — 20 strains, and the current NAIS recommendation since September 2025. A single dose gives broad coverage in one visit, replacing the older two-vaccine sequence for most adults.
PCV13 (Prevenar 13) — 13 strains. The conjugate vaccine used in the older PCV13 + PPSV23 regimen, and still a valid alternative where PCV20 is not used.
PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) — 23 strains, the widest coverage of the three, but a shorter-lived response. In the legacy regimen it is given after PCV13 to broaden cover.

A 15-valent conjugate vaccine, PCV15 (Vaxneuvance), is also HSA-registered here but is not on NAIS and is less commonly stocked in primary care.

Vaccination Schedule (Adults)

Pneumococcal vaccination regimens for adults under HPB's NAIS
Option	Regimen
Single-dose PCV20 (NAIS-recommended, current standard)	1 dose of PCV20 — broad coverage in one visit, regardless of age or condition
PCV13 then PPSV23 (older alternative regimen)	1 dose of PCV13, then 1 dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later for most adults. The minimum interval may be shortened to 8 weeks for adults with immunocompromising conditions, anatomic or functional asplenia, cochlear implants, or a cerebrospinal fluid leak.
Adults who have already received PCV13 or PPSV23	Top-up schedule depends on which vaccine was given and when — discuss with your doctor

The pneumococcal vaccine can be safely co-administered with the influenza vaccine at the same visit (typically one in each arm) — a recognised, convenient pairing for older adults and those with chronic conditions.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Short consultation — your doctor reviews your medical history, allergies, current medications, any current illness, and any previous pneumococcal vaccines. Takes around 10–15 minutes.
Vaccine administered — a single injection into the upper arm. Takes seconds.
Brief observation — a short wait (typically 15 minutes) to check for any immediate reactions.
Follow-up if needed — if you are on the PCV13 + PPSV23 regimen, our team will book your second dose for at least a year later.

Common side effects

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site for 1–2 days
Mild fever, muscle aches or tiredness
Mild headache
Brief light-headedness or fainting shortly after the injection

Serious reactions are rare. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling), a widespread itchy rash, or a high persistent fever.

Precautions

Let your doctor know if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous pneumococcal vaccine or any of its components, if you have an active fever or illness on the day of the appointment, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Safety data on pneumococcal vaccination during pregnancy are limited. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will go through an individualised risk-benefit discussion with you — particularly relevant if you have a condition that puts you at higher risk of pneumococcal disease.

Due for your pneumococcal vaccine?

Single-dose PCV20 or the PCV13 + PPSV23 sequence — our team will confirm MediSave and Healthier SG eligibility, work out the right regimen, and book any follow-up doses. Same-day appointments available at the Jurong clinic.

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Pneumococcal Vaccine Price in Singapore

Pneumococcal vaccination is on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list — MediSave-claimable for eligible Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule. Seniors aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave at participating clinics. Healthier SG–enrolled seniors aged 65 and above and adults with specified health conditions can receive the vaccine fully subsidised. Pricing at our Jurong clinic:

Pneumococcal vaccine pricing by subsidy scheme and vaccine
Subsidy Scheme	PCV13	PCV20	PPSV23
Healthier SG seniors 65+ or adults with specified conditions	$0	$0	$0
Pioneer Generation	$16	$17	$11
Merdeka Generation	$31	$34	$22
CHAS Blue / Orange (SC 18–64 with eligible conditions)	$31	$34	$22
CHAS Green / Non-CHAS Singaporeans	$63	$68	$43
All others / Walk-in	$136.25	$147.15	$93.74

^* Prices are NETT, per dose, and inclusive of GST. Consultation fees are charged separately. Final out-of-pocket cost depends on your subsidy tier and whether MediSave is used.

Last updated: Jun 26, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm the latest rates.

Get in Touch

How Do I Book a Pneumococcal Vaccination?

Fill in the form below, or WhatsApp us on 8095 3275.

The ATA Medical team with Dr Joel Foo at the Tanjong Pagar clinic, Singapore

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FAQ

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Common Questions

What adults in Singapore most often ask about the pneumococcal vaccine.

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine in Singapore?

Under HPB's National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), single-dose PCV20 is recommended for all adults aged 65 and above, and for adults aged 18 to 64 with any of the following conditions: chronic pulmonary disease, chronic cardiovascular disease, chronic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, immunocompromising conditions (e.g., cancer treatment, long-term steroids, HIV), anatomic or functional asplenia, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks. International guidance (US CDC / ACIP) also recognises smokers and people with chronic alcohol use as higher risk. Your doctor will confirm whether you qualify at the visit.

What is the difference between PCV13, PCV20 and PPSV23?

PCV13 (Prevenar 13) is a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. PCV20 (Prevenar 20) is a newer 20-valent conjugate vaccine that covers the 13 strains in PCV13 plus 7 additional strains, and was added to Singapore's NAIS in September 2025. PPSV23 (Pneumovax 23) is a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine. Conjugate vaccines (PCV) generate a stronger, longer-lasting immune response; polysaccharide vaccines (PPSV) cover more strains but a shorter response. Your doctor will recommend the option that best fits your age, health status and prior vaccinations.

How many doses of the pneumococcal vaccine do I need?

Under HPB's NAIS, a single dose of PCV20 is the recommended regimen — broad coverage in one visit, regardless of age or condition. The older PCV13 followed by PPSV23 sequence remains a valid alternative: PCV13 first, then PPSV23 at least 1 year later for most adults. The minimum interval between PCV13 and PPSV23 may be shortened to 8 weeks for adults with immunocompromising conditions, asplenia, cochlear implants, or a cerebrospinal fluid leak. If you have already received PCV13 or PPSV23, your doctor will work out the right top-up schedule based on which vaccines you have had and when.

What does the pneumococcal vaccine protect against?

It protects against serious illnesses caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, including pneumonia, bacterial meningitis and bloodstream infections (bacteraemia). These infections can be life-threatening in older adults and people with chronic conditions. The vaccine does not cover every cause of pneumonia (some are viral, like influenza or COVID-19), but it protects against the most common bacterial cause.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine MediSave-claimable in Singapore?

Yes. PCV13, PCV20 and PPSV23 are all on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list. Under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule, MediSave can be used by adult Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents to pay for eligible doses, subject to annual withdrawal limits. Seniors aged 60 and above may also use Flexi-MediSave at participating clinics. Our team will confirm your eligibility and process the claim at your visit.

Can I get the pneumococcal vaccine at the same time as the flu vaccine?

Yes. The pneumococcal and influenza vaccines are routinely given at the same visit, typically in different arms. Co-administration is a recognised, convenient option — particularly for older adults and those with chronic conditions, who benefit from both vaccines.

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?

Most side effects are mild and pass within a day or two — soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, muscle aches, tiredness, or a mild headache. Some people feel briefly faint after the injection. Serious reactions are rare. Seek urgent medical help for signs of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) or a widespread itchy rash.

How much does the pneumococcal vaccine cost in Singapore?

At our Jurong clinic, pneumococcal vaccination is fully subsidised ($0 per dose for PCV13, PCV20 or PPSV23) for Healthier SG–enrolled seniors aged 65 and above and for adults with specified health conditions. Pioneer Generation cardholders pay $11 to $17 per dose, Merdeka Generation and CHAS Blue/Orange cardholders pay $22 to $34 per dose, and CHAS Green or non-CHAS Singaporeans pay $43 to $68 per dose, depending on which vaccine is used. Walk-in / non-eligible rates range from $93.74 to $147.15 per dose. See the full pricing table above or WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm current rates before booking.

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4 Clinics Across Singapore

Men's health and family medicine services — including screening, testosterone, erectile dysfunction, hair loss and weight management — are available at all four clinics, delivered by Dr Joel Foo alongside our other female and male doctors, including Dr Leonard Leng. WhatsApp us to confirm which doctor is available at your preferred location. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location.