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SINGAPORE: People who have valid reasons to travel outside of Singapore cannot jump the queue to get vaccinated early against COVID-19 as vaccine supplies are limited at this time, the minister of state said on Monday (February 1). of Health, Janil Puthucheary.
He was speaking in Parliament in response to questions from Members of Parliament about vaccination.
Deputy Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar) had asked if the Government will consider allowing citizens who need to visit a sick family member abroad to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before their turn comes.
Deputy Yip Hon Weng (PAP-Yio Chu Kang) asked whether Singapore residents can be given the option to get vaccinated early if they have good reasons for traveling abroad and on short notice. MP Gerald Giam (WP-Aljunied) and MP Sharael Taha (PAP-Pasir Ris Punggol) raised similar questions.
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“At this point, when vaccine supplies are limited, we need to prioritize our healthcare and frontline workers and seniors for vaccination,” said Dr. Puthucheary.
“Therefore, we are not able to provide vaccines to Singaporeans outside of these groups at this time and seek their understanding.”
He said this option can be considered when there is greater certainty in the supply of vaccines from Singapore.
NEED TO PRIORITIZE VACCINES
Given the current limited short-term supply of COVID-19 vaccines globally, there is a need to prioritize vaccines, he said.
Singapore has started vaccination for frontline healthcare workers and COVID-19. Vaccination has also started for essential workers, such as those in security services and workers in aviation and sea, who are at increased risk of exposure to infected people in the course of their work.
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Older people have also been given priority, as they are at higher risk of serious or fatal illness if infected.
Dr Puthucheary reiterated that Singapore has signed advance purchase agreements with Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sinovac, adding that it is in discussions with “some other pharmaceutical companies.”
Due to commercial sensitivities and confidentiality commitments in its advance purchase agreements, Singapore has not disclosed the quantity of vaccines ordered, their cost, or delivery times.
“While there will be some delays in shipments of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines due to the improvement of the Pfizer manufacturing facility, we will continue to monitor our supplies closely to meet our goal of vaccinating all Singaporeans and long-term residents in Singapore by the end of 2021, “he said.
Mr. Yip (PAP-Yio Chu Kang) asked in a further question if a waiting list would be established for people who want to get vaccinated before traveling out of the country. Dr. Puthucheary said the suggestion will be considered.
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