Recommendation for One Dose of MMR Vaccine Before Travel for Infants Aged Six to 11 Months

Mr Ng Shi Xuan asked the Coordinating Minister for Social Policies and Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry and the Expert Committee on Immunisation have considered the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that infants six to 11 months old should receive one dose of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel; and (b) what are the reasons why the Government has decided not to adopt this recommendation.

On 13 February 2026, the Communicable Diseases Agency issued guidance recommending that infants aged six to 11 months travelling to countries with measles outbreaks or high measles incidence should receive an earlier dose of MMR vaccine. This dose should be given at least two weeks before travel to reduce the risk of infection when travelling. For long-term immunity, such infants should still complete the two-dose MMR vaccine series according to the National Childhood Immunisation Schedule.