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The Multi-Ministerial Task Force (MTF) outlined plans on December 14, 2020 to allow Singaporeans to get vaccinated against COVID-19, noting that it will allow our economy to open up and more social activities to resume.
For this, the safety and efficacy of vaccines are essential. Singapore has strict processes in place to assess the safety of the vaccines we bring:
- Make sure they comply with the World Health Organization guidelines and the rules
- The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) is reviewing the scientific and clinical evidence in detail; and is in constant consultation with global benchmark regulatory authorities
- The COVID-19 Vaccination Expert Committee is evaluating the best way to implement vaccines in all segments of the population to achieve optimal health outcomes for Singaporeans and Singaporeans.
Advance purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies
Singapore has signed advance purchase agreements with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sinovac, and is in talks with a few other pharmaceutical companies.
HSA has licensed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for pandemic use in Singapore, with the first batch of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines expected to arrive in Singapore by the end of December 2020. Subsequent batches from the three companies will arrive in 2021.
Singapore is also a strong supporter and active participant in the work of the global COVID-19 Vaccine Access Global Facility (COVAX) and has signed a compromise agreement that gives us the right to purchase a certain quantity of vaccines.
Vaccinations will be free
All Singaporeans and long-term residents will be able to get vaccinated by the end of 2021.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for everyone, but is voluntary. The vaccination will be free.
Singapore will be progressively vaccinated
The priority for vaccination will be for those most at risk. These include:
- Frontline and Healthcare Workers
- Vulnerable groups (for example, the elderly; those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection)
Vaccination will be deferred for the following groups uUntil more data on safety and efficacy are available for these groups:
- Pregnant women
- Those with compromised immunity
- Children under 16 years of age
The Expert Committee will share its detailed advice on the overall vaccination strategy for Singapore and its specific recommendations on each of the vaccines in the coming weeks.
Vaccination is not a silver bullet
While comprehensive vaccination coverage in the population will allow Singapore to reopen further and accelerate recovery from the pandemic, it is not a silver bullet.
Singapore cannot let its guard down. Remain vigilant, stay current with good practices, and adhere to safe handling measures.
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