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SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MINSA) has received around 6,900 appeals from Singapore residents who wish to receive the early COVID-19 vaccine.
Most of the appeals cited traveling abroad for work, study and other purposes, the Health Ministry said on Monday (March 22) in response to the CNA’s inquiries.
The ministry had announced last week that while its focus is to vaccinate the elderly and other priority groups, it will consider allowing Singaporeans and permanent residents with “very exceptional circumstances” to receive their vaccine earlier as more supplies of it arrive. vaccines.
These include people who have an “urgent need” to travel abroad to start or complete a formal education or vocational program, or to work abroad, and where distance learning or work is not an option.
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Those wishing to travel abroad to visit or care for an immediate family member who is seriously ill, or to seek “medically necessary treatment that cannot reasonably be received in Singapore,” will also be considered for early vaccination.
The Health Ministry said Monday that it will evaluate the applications “based on the motive and urgency of the appeals.”
“We would like to seek the patience of Singaporeans and the understanding that we will have to prioritize those most urgently in need of vaccination, such as those traveling in the next two months in the first instance,” he added.
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The Health Ministry previously said that people who plan to appeal for early vaccination must attend the necessary time to complete the full course. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines currently being administered in Singapore require two doses three to four weeks apart.
The vaccines will be “fully effective” two more weeks after the second dose, the ministry added.
People should try to complete their appeal request about eight weeks in advance, and successful people will be notified by email.
The Health Ministry also said it has received four full applications for a financial assistance program for people experiencing serious side effects that are considered to be related to the COVID-19 vaccines administered in Singapore.
Applications were opened on March 17 for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Program for COVID-19 Vaccination (VIFAP).
All four applications will be reviewed to determine their eligibility, the Health Ministry said, adding that another 13 applications were also received that are pending additional necessary information.
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