Vaccination · Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal Vaccine in Singapore

Name: Pneumococcal Vaccine in Singapore
Creator: Dr Joel Foo

Confidential Consultation
MediSave-Claimable
Same-Day Appointments
Near MRT Stations

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against serious bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. It's recommended for adults aged 65 and above, and for younger adults with conditions like diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease. Dr Joel Foo's Jurong clinic offers pneumococcal vaccination with MediSave support for eligible adults.

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Dr Joel Foo with the health-screening team at the Jurong clinic — delivering adult pneumococcal vaccinations in Singapore

Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician

Last updated: Apr 30, 2026

What Does the Pneumococcal Vaccine Do?

The pneumococcal vaccine protects against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae — a common bacterium that can cause pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (infection around the brain), and bacteraemia (bloodstream infection). These infections are usually mild in healthy younger adults, but can be severe or life-threatening in older adults and people with chronic conditions.

There are two main types used in Singapore — a conjugate vaccine (PCV) and a polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Most adults are given both types in sequence for broader, longer-lasting protection. Dr Joel will explain the schedule that's right for you based on your age and medical history.

The vaccine does not protect against every cause of pneumonia — some pneumonias are viral (flu, COVID-19) or caused by other bacteria — but it covers the single most common bacterial cause.

Should I Get the Pneumococcal Vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine is strongly recommended if any of the following apply to you:

You are aged 65 or above
You have diabetes
You have a chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney condition
You smoke
You have a weakened immune system (for example, from cancer treatment, long-term steroids, or HIV)
You don't have a working spleen (removed surgically, or functionally reduced due to certain conditions)
You have a cochlear implant or a cerebrospinal fluid leak

If you're not in these groups but want an extra layer of protection — particularly if you live with or care for an older family member — it's reasonable to ask Dr Joel about it at your visit.

What to Expect at Your Visit

Short consultation — Dr Joel checks your medical history, allergies, any current illness, and past pneumococcal vaccines you may have had.
Vaccine given — 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 schedule — if you need the second type of pneumococcal vaccine, Dr Joel will explain when to come back (usually at least a year later).

Common side effects

Most side effects are mild and pass within a couple of days:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Mild fever
Muscle aches or tiredness
Headache

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

Due for your pneumococcal vaccine?

MediSave-claimable for eligible adults. Dr Joel's team will confirm your eligibility and sort the paperwork — you just turn up. Same-day appointments available at the Jurong clinic.

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

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How Do I Book a Pneumococcal Vaccination?

Fill in the form below and our team will be in touch. For a faster response, WhatsApp us on 8893 3757.

FAQ

Pneumococcal Vaccine: Common Questions

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

Who should get the pneumococcal vaccine in Singapore?

The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 65 and above, and for younger adults (typically 18–64) who have conditions that increase their risk — diabetes, chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, a weakened immune system, or who smoke. It's also given to people without a functioning spleen, and to certain other high-risk groups. If you're not sure whether you qualify, Dr Joel can check at your visit.

How many doses of the pneumococcal vaccine do I need?

Most adults receive two types of pneumococcal vaccine in sequence — a conjugate vaccine (PCV) followed by a polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at a specific interval, typically around a year apart. The exact schedule depends on your age, medical conditions, and any previous pneumococcal vaccines. Dr Joel will work out the right plan for you at the consultation.

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 doesn't cover every type of pneumonia (some are viral, like flu or COVID-19), but it protects against the most common bacterial cause.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine MediSave-claimable?

Yes. The pneumococcal vaccine is on Singapore's Nationally Recommended Vaccines list and is MediSave-claimable for eligible adults, subject to withdrawal limits. MediSave can be used for the patient or the patient's immediate family. Dr Joel's team will confirm eligibility and help process the claim at your visit.

What are the side effects of the pneumococcal vaccine?

Most side effects are mild and resolve within a couple of days. Common ones include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, muscle aches, tiredness, or a headache. Serious reactions are rare but possible — seek urgent help for severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, facial swelling) or a high persistent fever.

Can I get the pneumococcal vaccine with the flu vaccine?

Yes — the pneumococcal and flu vaccines can be given at the same visit, typically in different arms. This is a common and convenient pairing, particularly for older adults or those with chronic conditions. Dr Joel will confirm this is appropriate for you based on your medical history.

How much does the pneumococcal vaccine cost in Singapore?

Cost varies depending on which type of pneumococcal vaccine is given (PCV or PPSV23) and any consultation fees. Most eligible adults can use MediSave to offset the cost. WhatsApp 8893 3757 for current rates and to confirm your MediSave eligibility before booking.

Our Locations

4 Clinics Across Singapore

Dr Joel practises at our Jurong clinic. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location, with other male physicians also available.