Children (Paediatrics)

Newborn Vaccines

All newborns are given a dose of BCG and Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine protects babies from serious forms of tuberculosis, such as tuberculosis in the brain or widespread tuberculosis. A small scar usually forms at the site of immunisation. Hepatitis B is given in 3 doses, with the first dose given during soon after birth, the second dose at 2 months, and the third dose at 6 months of age.

Types of Vaccines and Immunisations for Children

Flu Vaccine

The Health Promotion Board recommends that children 6 months old and above be given a flu (also known as influenza) shot every year. The flu vaccine is effective in reducing children’s risk of getting the flu, shielding them from lung infections and influenza-associated deaths. Keep the flu away from your child so they won’t have to miss school, and you won’t have to miss out on work and important matters.

Chickenpox Vaccine

Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The chickenpox vaccine, commonly known as the varicella vaccine, is effective in preventing children from contracting this disease. It is recommended that two doses of chickenpox vaccine be given to children, with the first dose at 12 months old and the second dose at 15 months old.

12-month-old Immunisations

By the time an infant reaches their first birthday, they should have already taken several vaccines including hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus (IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). At 12 months of age, your child will be given their first dose of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccine, and a booster shot of PCV. These vaccines are important in protecting infants from common communicable diseases that are particularly dangerous for them.

18-month-old Immunisations

Apart from the immunisations recommended for a 12-month-old, an 18-month-old child needs to be given a booster dose of 5-in-1 vaccine (DTaP, IPV, and Hib), and the second dose of MMR and varicella vaccine. Booster doses are important for your child to build a stronger immune response and be better protected against common infectious diseases.

HPV Vaccine for Boys

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection causes genital warts and increases the risk of anal, penile, and throat cancers in men. The HPV vaccine is recommended for males aged 9 – 26 years old to protect them from HPV-related cancer and genital warts.

HPV Vaccine for Girls

HPV infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing cervical cancer if it is given before a woman is exposed to the virus. The HPV vaccine is recommended for females aged 9 – 26 years old to protect them from cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, and genital warts.

Babies grow and develop at an astonishing pace, and each month in a baby’s life is marked by certain important skills that he or she learns. These important skills are referred to as developmental milestones. Although milestones commonly appear at a certain age, some infants achieve these milestones at varying speeds, some earlier, others later.

Here are some key milestones to look out for.

2-month-old Baby Development Milestones

A 2-month-old baby’s milestones include smiling at people (also called a social smile), cooing or making gurgling sounds, and turning their head towards a sound. They will also begin to recognise the faces of their parents and other caregivers and start to hold their heads up while lying on their tummies.

6-month-old Baby Development Milestones

You will be amazed at how quickly your 6-month-old baby has developed. At 4 months, their milestones include learning to roll over, bringing objects to their mouth, and copying your sounds and facial expressions. At 5 months, your baby is likely to learn to sit with support, reach for toys, and hold objects with both hands. By 6 months, your baby will begin to distinguish familiar faces from strangers, sit without support in a tripod position, and pass objects from one hand to the other. Your baby will also string together vowel sounds such as “eh, oh, ah” and respond when you talk to them.

Development Milestones at 2-years-old

By the time your child is 2 years old, you may begin to realise why it is commonly called the “terrible twos”. Your toddler is now exerting their independence and is rather fond of saying “no!” Nonetheless, you will likely be amazed by how much your toddler has learned by this age.

The important developmental milestones of a 2-year-old child include saying sentences made of 2 – 4 words, following simple instructions, pointing to things or pictures when you say the name of the object, and scribbling. They also tend to be very active, enjoying their newfound ability to run, climb up furniture, walk up and down the stairs with their hand held, and carrying several toys while walking.

Vomiting and Diarrhoea (gastroenteritis)

The most common causes of vomiting and diarrhoea in children are viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract and food poisoning. Children with gastroenteritis can also have fever, abdominal cramps, and loss of appetite. Although most episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea will resolve on their own, it is important to give your child plenty of fluids while they are sick to avoid dehydration. 
Signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, sunken eyes, infrequent urination, reduced energy levels, and irritability. Children who are dehydrated may need to be admitted to a hospital for hydration.

Eczema

Eczema is a common skin problem among children. Also called atopic dermatitis, eczema manifests as dry, red, and itchy skin. Babies usually develop rashes on their cheeks and forehead, while older children often have rashes in their elbow creases and back of the knees. Although the exact cause of eczema is unclear, a child who has allergies or whose parents have eczema is more likely to develop eczema.

Although there is no cure of eczema, there are many ways to control the itchiness and rashes. Good skin care is very important. Bathe your child using a gentle cleanser and apply moisturising lotion after bath. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroid creams or ointments for the rashes.

HFMD

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a very common infection found in young children, commonly caused by the coxsackievirus. A child can get this disease when they come into contact with an infected person’s saliva, respiratory droplets, stool, or fluid from skin blisters.

HFMD initially shows up with a fever and sore throat. After a day or two, painful sores in the mouth will be noticed, along with blisters or red spots on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and buttocks.

The infection often resolves without treatment in 7 – 10 days. To help relieve the pain of the mouth sores, you can give your child ice chips or cold beverages. You can also give paracetamol to relieve the fever and general discomfort. It is important to ensure your child stays well hydrated and to seek medical attention if your child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, infrequent urination and lethargy.

Our board-certified paediatricians and paediatric subspecialists provide well-child care from infancy until adolescence. They also manage a wide range of diseases affecting children. Some of the most common conditions we treat include:

General Paediatrics

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Chronic lung disease
• Chronic heart disease
• Hand, foot and mouth disease
• Kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)
• Pneumonia

Paediatric Ears, Nose & Throat (ENT)

• Allergies
• Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)
• Hearing and speech disorders
• Snoring and sleep apnoea

Paediatric Orthopaedics (Bones & Muscles)

• Bowing of the knee (genu varum)
• Club foot
• Developmental hip dysplasia
• Dwarfism
• Greenstick fractures
• Growing pains
• In-toeing gait
• Limb length discrepancy
• Torticollis (wry neck)

Paediatric Ophthalmology (Eyes)

• Childhood myopia (short-sightedness)
• Lazy eye (amblyopia)
• Squints (strabismus)

 

 

*This is not a complete list of all the conditions that we recognise and treat. The information is designed for educational reference only and should not be seen as medical advice.

Please consult one of our qualified healthcare specialists for an accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment.

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• Child development
• General paediatric medicine
• General paediatric surgery
• Neonatology 
• Paediatric cardiology
• Paediatric dentistry
• Paediatric oncology

 

 

*This is not a complete list of all the diagnostic procedures and treatments that we provide. The information is designed for educational reference only and should not be seen as medical advice.

Please consult one of our qualified healthcare specialists for an accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment.

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