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SINGAPORE – With the discovery of newer and more contagious strains of the Covid-19 virus in Britain and South Africa, it may now be important that more Singaporeans get vaccinated against the coronavirus, said a health expert here.
Professor Teo Yik Ying, Dean of the National University of Singapore’s Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said on Thursday (December 24): “This is the only way we can continue to ensure that the community as a whole is protected. “
This means that instead of aiming for 80 percent of the population here to be vaccinated against Covid-19, “now we may be looking at 90 percent or even more,” said Professor Teo, who spoke in an interview. on video with The Straits Times on their daily online talk show The Big Story.
The chief health scientist at the Ministry of Health, Professor Tan Chorh Chuan, previously told ST that at least 80 percent of Singapore’s population would have to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity against Covid-19.
The new B117 strain of Covid-19 circulating in Britain has been reported to be more contagious, but has shown no signs of being more lethal or severe.
Singapore recorded its first case of this strain on Wednesday: a 17-year-old Singaporean girl who had returned home from Britain.
Professor Teo said Thursday that current research indicates that the new strains will not affect the effectiveness of vaccines, although a better understanding of the new strains is needed before determining the likely impact and making appropriate policy decisions.
“Governments are concerned (about the new strains) about the impact they have on managing the spread of Covid-19 in the community, and also about any potential impact on the efficacy of the vaccine and quality control measures.” said Professor Teo.
“But for people like you and me, as long as we continue to diligently practice the necessary safe handling measures, there is no need to worry too much about these new mutations,” he added, referring to the new strains.
Current research also indicates that new strains are transmitted between people in the same way as older strains, although it is more contagious, as a person infected with the new variant may have a higher viral load in their upper respiratory tract, Professor Teo said. .
This is why existing measures, such as wearing a mask correctly and maintaining the necessary social distance, if followed, can still minimize the chance that an infected person will transmit the virus to someone who is healthy, he said.
Professor Teo also warned that during the year-end festive period, Singaporeans should continue to follow safe distancing rules and measures to keep themselves, as well as their family and friends, safe from the coronavirus.
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