We understand as parents that there are so many aspects in a child’s early stages of life that require your attention, and vaccination intervals can be confusing and therefore, childhood vaccinations may be missed.

At Love & Joy Family Clinic, we perform catch-up childhood vaccinations. If you suspect you may have missed your child’s scheduled vaccination, you may simply book an appointment at our clinic, bring along all your past vaccination records and/or baby health booklet for catch-up vaccinations.

Our doctor will carefully review the records, including records on the National Immunization Registry, give the necessary immunizations during the visit itself if suitable, and provide a new vaccination schedule with appropriate intervals so as to ensure that your child safely completes his or her childhood vaccinations as soon as possible to ensure he or she is fully-protected.

In addition, we will provide proper documentation and record-keeping of all childhood vaccinations given at our clinic as your child may require these records in future for school applications, immigration requirements or obtaining health insurance.
If your child is Singaporean, all important childhood vaccinations are fully subsidized by the government at our clinic.

Developmental screenings are conducted at 7 recommended touchpoints in the first 6 years of your child’s life. They are often done concurrently with childhood vaccinations to reduce the number of doctor visits which may require the caregiver to take time off to bring the child.

Developmental screening comprises 3-part and can either be done before or after the childhood vaccinations during the same visit.

Firstly, an interview or completing the questionnaire (often the baby health booklet) with the main caregiver to assess the child’s growth and development at each milestone of life focusing on four domains: personal-social, fine motor, gross motor and language.

Next, performing anthropometric measurements (height or length, weight, and head circumference).

Finally, a general physical examination to screen for any abnormalities.

Our doctor will be mindful in providing a calm, safe and welcoming environment for your child as he or she is likely apprehensive and fretful as vaccinations may be unpleasant. As such, our doctor may vary the sequence of the steps above, or do the examination opportunistically if the child is very fretful.

Childhood vaccinations are time-tested and are proven to be safe and most importantly, they are highly-effective in preventing serious illnesses from infections afflicting humankind in the past. In addition, a child’s immune system may not be fully reconstituted or reach maturity in the first 5 years of life, especially in the first year of life, as such, these vaccinations are crucial in reducing the risk of serious complications which may arise from preventable infections.

Therefore, the benefits greatly outweigh the risk of childhood vaccinations so much so that in Singapore, measles and diphtheria are mandatory vaccination by law.
The side effects of vaccinations are generally mild, such as low-grade fevers, fatigue, muscle soreness or aches and localized reactions over the injection site. Allergic reactions or serious adverse reactions to vaccines are very rare as the vaccines become more advanced with better safety profiles.

Egg allergies, even severe ones (anaphylactic), are no longer a contraindication for influenza vaccination and MMR vaccination (which has completely no traces of egg protein), and can be safely performed in a family clinic setting.

It is advisable to see a doctor if your child is unwell to exclude serious illnesses and then have a discussion with our doctor to see if your child’s vaccination needs to be rescheduled.

It is generally advisable to postpone the vaccination if the child is having a fever, or acutely unwell in the first 3 days of the illness. However, once the child is on the mend and no longer having a fever, childhood vaccinations ought to be performed as soon as possible if overdue to ensure your child receives adequate protection.

There are seven recommended touchpoints for developmental assessment during the first six years. Developmental screenings are often conducted during immunization visits opportunistically. During the visit, our doctor would observe the child, go through the milestone questionnaire in the health booklet, perform a simple physical examination, and ensure that your child is hitting his or her appropriate milestones. During the consultation, the doctor will be able to address any concerns that you may have regarding your child.