Top 6 Frequently Questions about Singapore Vaccination
Singapore received its covid 10 vaccine on 21 December. According to recommendations towards singaporean for covid 19 vaccine:
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been reviewed and endorsed for use in Singapore for individuals aged 16 and above.
- Vaccination will take place progressively, with priority given to:
(i) Persons at high risk of being infected by COVID-19, including healthcare and frontline workers
(ii) Persons most vulnerable to severe disease and complications if they fall ill with COVID-19. This includes the elderly and persons with medical comorbidities (those with 2 or more illnesses/diseases at the same time)
Vaccinations for healthcare workers started on 30 Dec 2020, while vaccinations for the elderly (starting with those aged 70 and above) will begin from Feb 2021.
Vaccination is one of the key strategies to protect us and our loved ones against COVID-19, along with safe management measures, contact tracing and testing. The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination proposed to vaccinate the population as widely as possible to not only reduce the number of people susceptible to the disease but also the chances of transmission. As more of us are vaccinated, the harder it will be for the virus to spread, and the safer we will all be as a society.
1. Who is eligible to receive free Covid-19 vaccinations in Singapore?
Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term residents can receive free Covid-19 singapore vaccinations. They include those here on an employment or S-pass, as well as work permit holders, foreign domestic workers, and dependant’s pass, long-term visit pass and student pass holders.
2. Will the Covid-19 vaccine work against coronavirus?
There is currently no evidence that existing Covid-19 singapore vaccination are less effective against the new, more transmissible strain of the coronavirus. Singapore Government noted that vaccine manufacturers Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have publicly stated that their vaccines are likely to protect against the new strain, and are undertaking studies to formally confirm this. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will evaluate the data as it emerges and review Singapore’s vaccine strategy and border measures accordingly.
3. Are COVID-19 vaccines safe, especially for the elderly and those who are vulnerable?
The safety and efficacy of COVID-19 singapore vaccination for all Singaporeans is of utmost importance. Only vaccines that comply with the World Health Organisation’s guidelines and meet strict standards of safety, quality and efficacy will be used for our population. Multiple safety checks are in place before the vaccines are rolled-out in Singapore. For example, all vaccines to be deployed in Singapore must be authorised by the Health Sciences Authority. An expert panel, comprising 18 scientists and clinicians, was also formed to advise the Government on therapeutics and vaccines. In identifying suitable vaccines, the panel relies on data that comes from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials.
4. How was the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine evaluated?
The Health Sciences Authority authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 singapore vaccination, based on the following assessment:
- It has a high vaccine efficacy of 95% in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease in vaccinated persons aged 16 years and older.
- Its safety profile is consistent with other established and registered vaccines. No significant safety concerns have been detected. Common side effects were expected as part of the body’s natural response to a vaccination, such as injection site pain, fever, fatigue and headache.
- The benefits outweigh the known risks. But continued monitoring for longer-term efficacy of the vaccine, as well as monitoring for rare and serious adverse events will be needed.
Until more information is available, pregnant women and those under 16 years old should not receive the vaccine. It is also not recommended at this stage for immunocompromised individuals.
5. Are there side-effects?
Some people may experience side-effects such as fever, redness and swelling at the injection site. These are common side-effects and expected as part of the body’s natural response towards build immunity against COVID-19.
As with all medications and established vaccines, there is a small risk of very rare but serious adverse events that may occur post singapore vaccination, including allergic reactions.
Those who receive the Covid-19 vaccine should be observed on-site for 30 minutes after they receive the jab so that any severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis can be detected and treated promptly.
A new programme will also be introduced to provide support for those who experience serious side effects related to Covid-19 vaccines administered here.
6. Can I choose which Covid-19 vaccine to take?
No. Moreover, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has to date only approved one vaccine by Pfizer-BioNTech. Those who opt to receive the vaccine will receive a physical vaccination card, and will be able to check their vaccination records online.
