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Singapore – Gan Kim Yong, the country’s Health Minister, said on Tuesday night (November 10) that even when a vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available, the government will probably not be able to do so and has no plans to administer the vaccine. to everyone in Singapore.
Gan, the co-chair of a multi-ministry task force assigned to address the myriad of issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, made the remarks at an online task force briefing.
“Even with the availability of the vaccine, we probably will not be able to vaccinate, or do not intend to vaccinate, our entire population, depending on the nature of the vaccine. And even if we did have to vaccinate the entire population, it will take time to do it, ”Yahoo Singapore reports saying.
The Health Minister explained that there are “multiple factors” that come into play when it comes to vaccine distribution, such as the lack of data on the sustainability of the immunity of a particular Covid-19 vaccine.
“Some vaccines can be effective for different segments of the population. Some may not be effective for children, for example, and others may not be effective for older people. ” he added.
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He also said that healthcare workers are most likely the first to get the vaccine, and then older people, who have been shown to suffer from Covid-19 more severely.
Gan also reiterated the importance of maintaining safe distance measures. “In the meantime, it is important to continue to ensure that our safe distancing measures or precautionary measures are in place, and we continue to observe personal hygiene, etc. This will help us reduce the overall infection rate in Singapore. “
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) established a Committee of Experts on COVID-19 Vaccination last month made up of specialists in infectious diseases, immunology and other experts in related areas of study. This committee will serve to advise on the safety, efficacy and suitability of the different Covid vaccines, as well as recommendations for the vaccination approach based on demographics.
The press asked Gan about the S $ 60 million pledged by the Economic Development Board (EDB) for the manufacture of a vaccine from Arcturus Therapeutics, an American pharmaceutical firm, in conjunction with the Duke-NUS School of Medicine, which could be ready for the first trimester. 2021. EDB has also committed up to S $ 235 million in addition to the purchase of the vaccine.
The health minister said he could not add many more details about the deal, as certain contracts are still under negotiation.
Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health, said a “more holistic strategy” for vaccination is in the works.
Yahoo Singapore quotes him as saying: “It is very likely that we will develop a portfolio of different vaccines which may therefore be relevant and appropriate for different segments of the population.”
There are a number of candidate vaccines in advanced stages of clinical trials that are being considered for use in Singapore, he said, adding that the country is in talks with pharmaceutical companies to access these vaccines.
Professor Mak also spoke about recent reports of a Pfizer vaccine, the first data of which showed that it is more than 90% effectiveBut he added that caution should be exercised as more data on vaccines in development are not yet available.
“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? “he said. – / ITGS
Also read: S’pore could have a Covid-19 vaccine in early 2021, says Pharma
S’pore could have a Covid-19 vaccine in early 2021, says pharma
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