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SINGAPORE – Covid-19 vaccines began on Wednesday (December 30) with the first injections of Pfizer-BioNTech administered to 40 healthcare workers at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID).
The Straits Times answers some of the questions that have been raised about the vaccine.
Q: Will frontline and essential workers be allowed to remain in their positions if they decline the injection?
A: Although vaccination of healthcare workers is not mandatory, all local residents (healthcare workers and the general public) are urged to take the vaccine.
There is no plan to alter the duties of health care workers who do not get vaccinated, said NCID Executive Director Leo Yee Sin. Hospitals also continue to comply with preventive measures.
Q: What precautions should be taken after the injection? Do patients wait to make sure they don’t have side effects?
A: The Covid-19 vaccine is no different from other vaccines, Professor Leo said, adding: “The Health Sciences Authority recommends observing those vaccinated for 15 to 30 minutes after vaccination.”
There are rest areas in view of the healthcare staff for patients who have completed their vaccination.
Q: How do we know that the vaccine is working? Some people have no observable reactions, while others may have mild or severe.
A: There is no evidence to suggest that people with little or no discomfort are not protected by the vaccine.
The safety profile of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is generally consistent with other vaccines used against other diseases, said Professor Leo, who was vaccinated Wednesday.
Some people may have side effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Other side effects include fatigue, fever, headaches, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and joint pain.
While not everyone will experience them, they are common and expected as part of the body’s natural response to building immunity against Covid-19. These side effects also usually resolve within a few days.
As with other vaccines, in rare cases, a person may experience severe allergic reactions, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, and swelling around the eyes and lips. Immediate medical attention should be sought. Anyone with a history of anaphylaxis should also not receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Q: Will the vaccine leave a keloid scar like the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine?
A: This is unlikely since it is an intramuscular injection (like the flu shot). There have been no reports of scarring. BCG is a live attenuated vaccine, a vaccine created by reducing the virulence of a pathogen.
Q: How is the vaccine kept viable?
A: NCID works closely with the Ministry of Health to maintain sufficient doses before they go to vaccination providers. Vaccines can be stored at 2 to 8 degrees C for up to five days.
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