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SINGAPORE – Even when a COVID-19 vaccine is available, it is unlikely that the entire population of Singapore will be able to get vaccinated against the coronavirus, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Tuesday night (November 10).
Addressing reporters at a multi-ministerial working group (MTF) virtual briefing on COVID-19, Gan said: “And I must remind ourselves that even with the availability of the vaccine, we probably will not be able to vaccinate or we do not intend to vaccinate, to our entire population, depending on the nature of the vaccine. And even if we had to vaccinate the entire population, it would take time. “
Gan, who co-chairs the MTF, noted that there are “multiple factors” that must be considered when administering a vaccine. For example, there is insufficient data on the sustainability of immunity that can be conferred by any vaccine. There are also safety concerns at play for different segments of the population: some may be suitable only for children, while others may not be suitable for the elderly, who have multiple illnesses.
The 61-year-old man said that is the reason why the Ministry of Health has established a Committee of Experts on COVID-19 Vaccination, made up of experts in infectious diseases, immunology and other relevant fields. The Committee will advise on the suitability, safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines and will recommend the vaccination approach for different segments of the population.
The Minister was responding to a question from the Economic Development Board (EDB) committing US $ 45 million (S $ 60 million) to finance the manufacture of the candidate vaccine ARCT-021, and up to an additional US $ 175 million (S $ 235 million) to buy the vaccine. The vaccine is being jointly developed by the US pharmaceutical company Arcturus Therapeutics and the Duke-NUS School of Medicine, and is expected to be ready and delivered to Singapore in the first quarter of next year.
When asked about the details of the deal, Gan said “commercial confidentiality” prevented him from providing details, as some of the contracts are still being negotiated.
Health Ministry director of medical services Kenneth Mak said authorities would adopt a “more comprehensive strategy” for vaccination. “It is very likely that we will develop a portfolio of different vaccines that may therefore be relevant and appropriate for different segments of the population.”
Professor Mak said Singapore is focusing on several vaccine candidates that are currently in phase 3 studies and in discussions with pharmaceutical companies to access these candidates.
Media reports on the interim favorable results of the Pfizer co-developed vaccine have led to “cautious optimism” that lead candidates may pass phase 3 studies and then be available for clinical use, he added.
Urging caution as more data is needed on vaccine candidates, Professor Mak said: “For example, do vaccines require a single dose or do they require more than one dose? Will the vaccines provide a long-lasting response or will they have a shorter-acting response, so that the vaccines may need to be repeated later? “
The Republic has joined the COVAX Facility, a global initiative of governments and manufacturers focused on ensuring that COVID-19 vaccines reach those who need them most, whoever they are and wherever they live.
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