Why preventing diseases through adult immunisation is essential to keeping Singaporeans healthy

Whilst progress has been achieved, Singapore must leverage opportunities to become a prevention-first nation.

People are living longer thanks to modern medicine. Diseases that once caused suffering or even death, like smallpox and polio, have now been eradicated or controlled due to advances in vaccines, antibiotics and medical technology. However, as life spans increase, healthcare needs to become more complex with a rising burden of chronic diseases. This is especially true in Singapore, where the ageing population is growing fast.

By 2030, nearly 25% of the population will be 65 or over, compared to the current 14%. With weaker immune systems as we age, an older population is more susceptible to infectious and chronic diseases leading to increased healthcare costs for the country. 

Shifting from reactive treatment to prevention
The challenge is that healthcare systems prioritise treatment over prevention, with only 2.7% of the total healthcare spending dedicated to prevention. The fallout is that many people contract and live with diseases that could have been easily prevented, and individuals, families, and healthcare systems must bear the burden of those consequences. Investing in prevention improves health outcomes and is generally cost-effective for economies as every dollar invested in improving one’s health can generate an economic return of twice to four times the investment. This makes a clear case that moving from funding treatment-oriented systems to preventive care can deliver positive health and economic impact.

A Singaporean caregiver shared how her elderly mother was hospitalised due to a vaccine-preventable respiratory disease, “The challenge goes beyond the illness itself — it is the sleepless nights, the constant worry, and the disruption to daily life… the financial strain is just as overwhelming as the emotional toll. Hospital bills, medication costs, and the possibility of long-term care can quickly add up, leaving families financially drained, on top of the stress of caring for a loved one.” Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Singapore Minister for Health, has emphasised shifting the country’s healthcare system, “to focus on preventive care instead of curative care, emphasise health instead of sickness, shift the centre of gravity of care away from hospitals into the community.”

Whilst progress has been achieved, Singapore must leverage opportunities to become a prevention-first nation.

Adult immunisation crucial for a prevention-focused healthcare system
Whilst Singaporeans are familiar with the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule, awareness of the National Adult Immunisation Schedule remains low. This is reflected in the uptake of pneumococcal vaccination in the country with 35% amongst adults aged 65-74 in 2023, compared to more than 90% for children in 2022.  What’s more, as of June 2024, only about 15% of seniors aged 60 or older have received more than four doses of COVID-19 vaccinations according to the MOH. As a result, millions of adults are vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases, increasing hospitalisations and medical complications.

Just as a healthy diet and exercise improves wellbeing, adult immunisation can reduce common but high-burden diseases like influenza, respiratory viruses, shingles, and pneumonia, which can severely affect older adults. Immunisation across the life course not only prevents 3.5 to 5 million deaths globally every year but also reduces healthcare and socioeconomic costs. The UK-based Office of Health Economics found that every dollar invested in adult immunisation programmes can generate up to 19 times in socioeconomic returns.

The way forward to becoming a prevention-first nation through adult immunisation
Singapore has already started moving towards a prevention-first mindset with initiatives like Healthier SG, which encourages healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced diets, and good sleep. However, the journey doesn’t stop there. As some diseases are vaccine-preventable, policies in HSG must continue to evolve to provide adults with additional layers of protection. Strengthening the current adult immunisation programmes is a cost-effective step for Singapore to become a prevention-first nation.

A prevention-first mindset is also required, including collective action from individuals and organisations. Educators, business owners, and healthcare workers, all play a role in promoting health and wellbeing. Change starts with each person choosing prevention over reaction, creating a ripple effect that benefits communities, societies and governments. Ongoing research and innovation are also essential to address emerging health threats and support healthy ageing. Investing in new vaccines and preventive technologies will help Singaporeans stay active, healthy, and engaged for years to come.

The benefits of shifting to prevention-first healthcare, including adult immunisation, are clear — reducing disease incidence, hospital admission, and healthcare costs while increasing quality of life.  If Singapore achieves even a 10-20% increase in adult immunisation rates, it could free up resources for other critical areas like chronic disease management and long-term care. By prioritising adult immunisation and enabling policies, Singapore can lead in preventive healthcare, ensuring healthier lives and a more sustainable healthcare system for the future.