A Step-by Step Guide for Seniors
Empower Your Health with MediSave
Your health is your most valuable asset, especially in your golden years. Singapore’s CPF MediSave scheme allows seniors to access essential preventive care, including vaccinations, without financial stress. Vaccines such as those for influenza, pneumococcal infections, and shingles protect against serious illnesses. At The Straits Geriatrics Centre, we provide tailored advice and support to help you prioritise your health through a seamless vaccination process.
Why Vaccinations Are Essential for Seniors
Aging brings many changes, including a natural weakening of the immune system. This decline, makes older adults more susceptible to infections, which can lead to severe complications such as hospitalisation, chronic illness, or even death. Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to protect against these risks, helping seniors maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.
Key Vaccinations for Seniors
Influenza Vaccine
The flu can be more than just a seasonal inconvenience; it poses a serious threat to seniors, potentially leading to complications like pneumonia or worsening existing conditions like asthma or heart disease. Annual flu vaccinations are essential to reduce this risk and protect against the ever-evolving strains of the influenza virus.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalisation among older adults. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against severe bacterial infections that can result in pneumonia, meningitis, or bloodstream infections. Depending on the type of vaccine, you may need one or two doses in your lifetime for optimal protection.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can result in a painful rash and long-term nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). Seniors are particularly at risk due to their weakened immune systems. A two-dose shingles vaccine provides strong and long-lasting protection.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
This combination vaccine protects against three serious bacterial diseases. While tetanus and diphtheria are rare, their effects can be life-threatening. Pertussis (whooping cough) can cause severe coughing fits that lead to complications in older adults. A booster dose every 10 years is recommended to maintain immunity.
The Importance for Seniors with Chronic Conditions
For older adults managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, vaccinations are even more critical. These conditions not only make infections more likely but also increase the risk of complications. For instance, a simple flu can exacerbate heart disease or lead to diabetic complications. Vaccinations provide a proactive layer of protection, reducing the chances of illness and ensuring these chronic conditions remain stable.
By staying up to date with vaccinations, seniors can lead healthier, more independent lives, free from the preventable burden of infectious diseases. At The Straits Geriatric Centre, our geriatrician are here to guide you through the vaccinations most suited to your health needs, ensuring a personalised approach to your well-being.
Step-by-Step Guide: Simplifying the MediSave Vaccination Process
Schedule a Personalised Consultation
When you schedule a consultation with The Straits Geriatrics Centre, our experts carefully assess your age, medical history, and lifestyle. Based on this evaluation, we recommend the most suitable vaccinations tailored to your health and well-being.
Understand Your MediSave Limits
$500/year: For non-complex chronic conditions.
$700/year: For complex chronic conditions.These limits cover vaccinations under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS), chronic disease treatments, and health screenings.
Vaccines Covered by MediSave
MediSave offers seniors an affordable way to access essential vaccinations that protect against serious illnesses. These vaccines include:
Influenza Vaccine:
Protects seniors from flu-related complications like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for those with chronic conditions. Recommended annually.
Pneumococcal Vaccine:
Prevents severe bacterial infections like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Seniors aged 65 and above may require one or two doses in their lifetime.
Hepatitis B Vaccine:
Shields against chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Recommended for unvaccinated adults.
Shingles Vaccine:
Protects against shingles and long-term nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia). Recommended as a two-dose series for seniors aged 50 and older.
Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP/Tdap) Vaccine:
Guards against life-threatening bacterial infections and is especially important for pregnant women and seniors needing booster doses every 10 years.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine:
Provides immunity to these contagious viral infections. Recommended for unvaccinated adults.
Vaccinations are crucial for seniors, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, as they reduce the risk of complications from infections.
At The Straits Geriatrics Centre, we provide tailored advice to help seniors navigate MediSave supported vaccinations, ensuring access to preventive care that safeguards their health and independence.
Use Your Family’s MediSave for Added Flexibility
If needed, you can also utilise the MediSave accounts of your immediate family members, including your spouse, children, parents, or siblings, as long as you’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
Book Your Vaccination Appointment
Partner with The Straits Geriatrics Centre to finalise your vaccination plans and determine your needs. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand financial assistance options through subsidy assessments, providing the guidance and support you need to make vaccinations both accessible and affordable.
Bring Necessary Documents
Remember to bring your NRIC and any required authorisation documents when using a family member’s MediSave.
Verify Payment and Stay Hassle-Free
The clinic will verify your eligibility and deduct payment directly from MediSave, making the process quick and easy.
Your Personalised Vaccination Plan
Which Vaccines Are Recommended for Seniors?
Influenza: Annually.
Pneumococcal: Once or twice, depending on vaccine type.
Shingles: Two doses.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap): Every 10 years.
How Often Should I Update My Vaccinations?
The frequency depends on the vaccine. For example, flu shots are needed yearly, while others like the shingles vaccine are administered as a one-time series. Consult your doctor at The Straits Geriatrics Centre for a personalised vaccination schedule tailored to your health needs.
Are Vaccinations Safe for Older Adults with Chronic Conditions?
Yes! Vaccinations are generally safe for seniors, even those managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease. In fact, they’re particularly important for these groups to prevent complications from infections.
What is MediSave, and How Does It Work?
MediSave is a personal healthcare savings account under Singapore’s Central Provident Fund (CPF) system. Each month, a percentage of your salary, ranging between 8% and 10.5%, depending on your age is set aside in your MediSave account. This compulsory savings scheme ensures that you have the resources to meet healthcare expenses throughout your life, including retirement, when regular income might no longer be available.
MediSave can be used for a wide range of medical costs, such as:
Hospitalisation and day surgeries.
Outpatient treatments for chronic conditions.
Approved vaccinations under the National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS).
Selected health screenings and maternity-related expenses.
The Role of the Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS)
The Basic Healthcare Sum (BHS) is the maximum amount you can hold in your MediSave account. It is reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect inflation and rising healthcare costs. Once you reach 65 years old, your BHS is fixed and no longer increases. Any funds exceeding the BHS are transferred to your CPF Special or Retirement Account, contributing to your retirement savings while maintaining adequate reserves for healthcare.
By ensuring that all Singaporeans have sufficient funds set aside for subsidised healthcare expenses, MediSave plays a critical role in making healthcare accessible and affordable. This system empowers individuals to take control of their health without significant financial strain, offering peace of mind during their later years.
Whether you’re planning for routine health screenings, vaccinations, or managing chronic conditions, MediSave is designed to support your healthcare journey in a sustainable and accessible way.
Make Your Health a Priority Today
Vaccinations are a simple yet effective way to protect yourself from severe illnesses and maintain a healthy, active life. With MediSave, these life-saving vaccines are more accessible than ever. At The Straits Geriatrics Centre, led by our experienced consultant geriatrician, Dr Tan Mei Ying Melanie, we are committed to helping you stay healthy, informed, and proactive. Located at Gleneagles Medical Centre, 6 Napier Road, and just a 5-minute walk from Napier MRT Station (TE12), our clinic offers a welcoming environment for comprehensive care.
Take the first step towards better health. Schedule your consultation today at The Straits Geriatrics Centre and let us guide you in creating a personalised vaccination plan tailored to your needs.