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SINGAPORE: Once COVID-19 vaccines are available, Singapore’s focus will be to protect those most at risk or those who may be more exposed to infection, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Friday ( 4th of September).
He responded to a question from Member of Parliament Murali Pillai about the government’s strategy to vaccinate Singaporeans and residents. MP Ang Wei Neng had also asked what the country’s COVID-19 vaccination plans are.
In his written response, Mr. Gan said: “Our vaccination approach is aimed at protecting people who are most vulnerable or at higher risk of contracting the disease, as well as those who may be more exposed to infection, while the coverage of vaccination to our population is progressively expanded “.
Mr. Gan noted that the vaccination strategy and schedule would depend on a number of factors, including the suitability of different vaccines for different groups, as well as the number of vaccines available.
“We will continue to adapt our vaccination strategy as more information becomes available on the various candidate vaccines,” he added.
READ: Singapore’s race for a vaccine: can it be won before the second wave of COVID-19?
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The government is “closely monitoring” global progress in COVID-19 vaccine development, Mr. Gan said, adding that authorities are taking “active steps” to ensure Singapore has “timely access” to an effective vaccine. and safe.
Singapore is in talks with several pharmaceutical companies developing vaccines. He is also “actively involved” in international discussions to “accelerate development and promote fair and equitable access” to COVID-19 vaccines, Gan added.
This includes the Center for Global Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine (COVAX), a multilateral collaboration between the World Health Organization, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the Coalition for Innovations in Epidemic Preparedness, and dozens of countries.
It will allow countries “to pool risks and resources to access a portfolio of vaccines from different vaccine developers,” said Mr. Gan.
“Ensuring equitable access to vaccines will help to better contain and eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic, not only in Singapore, but also globally.”
READ: Widespread COVID-19 vaccines not expected until mid-2021, says WHO
Mr. Gan added that the Government is also supporting local efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Duke-NUS School of Medicine is collaborating with US biotechnology company Arcturus Therapeutics to develop an mRNA vaccine, he noted.
Phase 1 human clinical trials for the candidate vaccine began in early August.
Aside from these trials, Singapore is increasing its vaccine manufacturing capacity to provide “fill and finish” contract manufacturing services to vaccine developers and increase vaccine production once they are available, Gan said.
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