VACCINATIONS (INJECTIONS)
Vaccinations are recommended when going to developing countries, especially South America, Africa and parts of Asia. You can get them at any clinic or hospital, though an advance booking is usually required.
Primary Vaccinations (with Singapore polyclinic/pharmacy prices):
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) — 2 jabs at 1 month interval | S$40 (S’poreans can use Medisave) | Lasts a lifetime — For developing countries where viruses commonly occur and low immunization rate (mostly person to person contact such as sneezing, coughing)
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis aka Whooping cough) — S$50 | Lasts 10 years — For developing countries where bacterium commonly occur and low immunization rate (mostly person to person contact such as sneezing, coughing, open wounds)
- Typhoid — S$28.40 | Lasts 3 years — For places with poor sanitation (fecal-oral route)
- Influenza — S$32 | Lasts 1 year — Commonly found in many places around the world
- Hepatitis A — 2 jabs at 6 months interval | S$80 | Lasts a lifetime — For places with poor sanitation (fecal-oral route)
- Varicella (Chickenpox) — 2 jabs at 4 to 8 weeks interval | S$75.50 (S’poreans can use Medisave) | Lasts a lifetime — Commonly found in many places around the world
Optional Vaccinations:
- Cholera — For places with poor sanitation (fecal-oral route)
- Hepatitis B — Blood/bodily fluid contact (sexual contact, sharing needles)
- Polio — For densely populated areas (fecal-oral route)
- Yellow Fever — For places with infectious mosquitoes (Not required for Peruvian Amazon)
- Rabies — Wild animal bites
- Meningitis — Close contact (sneezing, coughing, kissing) especially high-risk areas like Africa
US travelers can refer here for what vaccinations to take depending on your travel destination.
WARNING: All vaccinations may cause side effects including headaches, nausea, etc.
MEDICINES (PILLS)
You’ll need some pills to complement your injections, depending on where you’re going. It is always good to carry some of the important medicines in case you get sick.
Special Medicines:
- Malaria (Mephaquin) — For places with infected mosquitoes (Not required for Peruvian Amazon) — 9 Pills for S$38.52 | 1 Pill a Week | Must take 2 weeks before exposure and 4 weeks after exposure (at least 6 weeks worth)
- Altitude Sickness (Acetazolamide) — For high altitude places (e.g. Peru's Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca) — Doctor’s prescription required | 1 Tablet for S$0.48 at Retail Pharmacies | Take 2 tablets 24 hours before ascent and another 2 tablets 12 hours before ascent (max 4 tablets a day)
WARNING: Both meds may cause side effects including headaches, stomachaches, nausea, etc.
Do note that altitude sickness and motion sickness are two completely different illnesses. Altitude sickness is caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation and your physical fitness DOES NOT decrease the risk.
Although taking altitude sickness pills may cause you discomfort and headaches, however the effects of moderate altitude sickness are much more severe. Moreover, severe altitude sickness can lead to death!
Important Medicines:
Although taking altitude sickness pills may cause you discomfort and headaches, however the effects of moderate altitude sickness are much more severe. Moreover, severe altitude sickness can lead to death!
Important Medicines:
- Paracetamol (Panadol) — Headache, Fever — Pack of 60 for S$1.40 (2.3 cents per pill)
- Neuflo — Throat Inflammation, Sore Throat — Pack of 20 for $6.75 at Retail Pharmacies
- Difflam —Sore Throat — Pack of 16 for S$7.84
- Fluimical — Phlegm — One 600mg bottle for S$6
- Dextromethorphan — Dry Cough — Pack of 20 for S$2.60
- Dimenhydrinate — Nausea, Vomiting, Motion Sickness — Pack of 20 for S$8.50
- loperamide — Diarrhoea — Pack of 20 for S$2.60
For Singaporeans, it's a great idea to stock up at your local polyclinic. Generic paracetamol is selling for dirt cheap there, compared to retail pharmacies and most other places worldwide selling Panadol or its equivalent at easily 10x or even 100x the price!
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