Vaccination at the polyclinic

My #1 used to do her vaccinations at the National University Hospital’s children’s clinic. She was born there and since a follow-up appointment was given to monitor her growth and development (as a standard patient care); we ended up taking the vaccination package offered by the hospital. At each visit, waiting times were long for the Consultant Paediatrician to see her and the nurse to administer the injection. However, as first time parents, the Paediatrician was ever ready to allay any concerns or answer any queries since many things appeared unusual to us adults.

With #2 we decided to go to a Paediatrician nearby to save on the long waiting times, after all the charges were similar. The Paediatrician would review the height and weight growth, do some physical examination and then administer the injection herself all done in 5 to 10 minutes.

With #3, we gave the polyclinic a shot (pun intended). We had known that compulsory vaccinations are offered free but had always thought that this service would be a hassle. Of course, we were wrong! Vaccinations are done by appointment basis and most of my waiting times were short and everything can be completed in 20 minutes.

During each visit, the nurse would review the height and weight of the child and give advice on feeding matters. To manage fever due to vaccination, paracetamol was given on the spot, so there is no need to collect the medication at a separate queue counter. Infant care sheets were also given out. To date, we had six compulsory injections administered by the nurse, one paediatrician assessment at the 3^rd month which involved physical and developmental assessments, another physical and developmental assessment (with hearing test) by a nurse at the 9^th month. All these consultations, injections and medication were fully subsidised.

Some infant care sheets that I received

Below was what I did for a typical visit:

1)      Prior to making the appointment, ensure child was not ill with fever, runny nose or cough for the past one week, or has had any contact with persons with chicken pox or hand, foot & mouth disease etc for the past one month

2)      Call the polyclinic appointment hotline, do expect longer appointment date for Saturdays

3)      The day before the appointment, ensure child was not ill with fever, runny nose or cough for the past one week, or has had any contact with persons with chicken pox or hand, foot & mouth disease etc for the past one month. If yes, appointment date needs to be changed.

4)      On the day of the appointment, arrive 5 minutes earlier and scan the child’s birth cert at the self-service kiosk to get the queue number.

5)      Wait at the waiting area for the queue number to be called.

6)      After the administration of injection, proceed to appointment counter to get the next vaccination appointment

7)      And then back to the nurse (about 5 minutes later) to check on the injection site.

Source: National Healthcare Group FAQ on Childhood Vaccination

How is your experience?