Starting from 1 September 2024, all maids working in Singaporean households with children under seven who are not fully vaccinated against measles will be required to receive the vaccination. This new policy, announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), aims to protect children who are particularly vulnerable to the serious health complications associated with measles infection.
As of May 2024, there have been ten reported cases of measles in Singapore, highlighting the urgency of this measure, especially amidst a global surge in infections. The Ministry of Health reports that these cases are just one shy of the total number logged throughout the entire year of 2023.
Details of the Requirement
- Employers must declare their maid’s vaccination status when applying for or renewing work permits.
- If a maid is immune to measles or if all children under seven in the household are fully vaccinated, the vaccination is not mandatory.
- Proof of immunity can be provided via serology tests or documentation of completed vaccinations.
To achieve full vaccination, maids must receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This vaccination is available at private general practitioner clinics, and employers are responsible for all associated costs, which can range from $80 to $140.
Public Health Perspective
Despite Singapore’s high vaccination rates, sporadic measles cases remain a possibility due to the virus’s highly contagious nature. MOM underscores that, given Singapore’s status as a bustling travel hub, the rise in measles cases globally poses significant risks to public health, especially for those lacking immunity.
Thus, the new immunisation requirement is part of a broader strategy to bolster public health resilience. It aims not only to minimise transmission risks but also to safeguard the wellbeing of young children in households where maids are employed.
Employers with existing migrant domestic workers are advised to review their workers’ immunity status prior to permit renewals to ensure compliance with these new regulations.