We know a lot more about the safety and efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines now than when we first started. That has allowed the ministry to update its guidance on who should and shouldn’t receive the mRNA vaccines (Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna).
To cut it short - the eligibility criteria has expanded. Check to see if you may belong to one of these groups who can now be vaccinated..
1. Patients who had previous large skin reaction after 1st mRNA vaccine
Localized skin reactions after vaccination are common (around 4% in recent mRNA studies). However, if they develop more than 4 hours after injection, you are still eligible to receive the second dose of the vaccine. These skin reactions, though sometimes may be large, can be treated symptomatically. Patients who experienced a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis can proceed with other vaccines like Sinovac instead.
2. Patients with lowered immunity because of treatments, HIV or low platelet counts
These include patients with transplants within 3 months, on aggressive immunotherapy, or cancer patients on treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy) within 3 months or planned over the next 2 months. Such patients can be vaccinated in a hospital or community vaccination center after receiving a memo from their treating specialist. Patients with HIV, regardless of CD4 count are also allowed vaccination.
3. Patients who were not fully vaccinated and were infected with COVID-19
If you are such a patient, the current guidance is to get a single dose of vaccination done 3 months from your first day of infection. In the meantime, you can get a Pre-Event Testing (PET) Exemption Notice from the clinic for you to attend events and visit various venues.
4. Patients who have received other non COVID-19 vaccines in the past 2 weeks
This is no longer a strict point though you are encouraged to space out your non-COVID-19 related vaccines if possible.
What should I do?
The best thing you can do is to get vaccinated and encourage those around you who have not to do so. As of 10 Aug 2021, Singapore has achieved full vaccination in 72% of our population. Getting vaccinated may not prevent you from transmitting the virus, but it can certainly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. The percentage of unvaccinated who became severely ill or died is 8.7%, while that for the fully vaccinated is 0.9%.
If you have not been vaccinated or have an elderly family member or friend who has not been, please book an appointment for your COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech vaccination at our clinic.
From 18 August 2021, all eligible Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders aged 12 years old and above can walk in to Intemedical Clinic for first dose vaccination. Vaccination is free for these groups.
Getting your Pfizer BioNTech Vaccine at Intemedical Clinic
Before your visit - Book your appointment through https://www.vaccine.gov.sg/ and select Intemedical Clinic (Kovan) - Both doses must be taken at the same centre - Appointment times are between 1pm - 9.30pm
At your visit - Bring proof of your identification (Eg. NIRC/Passport) - Patients <18 years of age will require parental consent - Patients between 12-13 years of age will need parent/legal guardian to come along - Set aside about 1 hour for the visit including 30 minutes of observation time
After your vaccination - Remember to book your appointment for your 2nd vaccination - Rest and hydrate. Take medications for symptomatic relief for common side effects such as pain over the injection site or fever. If your fever lasts more than 2 days, consult a doctor. - Avoid alcohol for 2 days. Avoid vigorous exercise for 1 week.
Source: MOH Circular No. 101/2021 on 28 Jul 2021