What you need to know about the MMR vaccines and viruses
- BRYAN KOH
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 13
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is transmitted through the air. Globally, Measles is on the rise across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and parts of Europe. As Singapore is a major travel hub, the rise in the number of Measles cases globally poses a threat to Singapore, especially for those without Measles immunity.
Recently, Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced that starting September 2025, foreign domestic workers (FDWs) employed in households with unvaccinated children aged seven and below will be required to receive the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
This new mandate falls in line with existing public health guidelines that identify three key groups who should receive the MMR vaccine, namely:
1. Children who have not been vaccinated – The standard schedule requires two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection.
2. Adults at higher risk of infection – This includes individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status and work in settings such as schools, healthcare institutions, or are planning to travel to regions with lower vaccination coverage.
3. Women planning to conceive – Unvaccinated women are advised to receive the MMR vaccine at least three months before trying to conceive, to protect both themselves and their future children.
By classifying FDWs in households with unvaccinated young children under the second category, the government aims to reduce the risk of transmission and protect vulnerable members of the household, especially those who are too young to be fully vaccinated. MOM emphasized that this policy supports Singapore's broader public health objectives and aligns with efforts to maintain high immunisation coverage nationwide.
2 doses of the MMR vaccine are required to be fully vaccinated, at an interval of at least 4 weeks / 28 days between doses.
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