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SINGAPORE – Processes are being streamlined to reduce wait times and people are encouraged to reserve afternoon slots for Covid-19 jabs as Singapore expects to dose 1.25 million people by the end of April.
More people tend to get vaccinated on weekday mornings and at polyclinics, the Health Ministry told The Straits Times.
“Those who want shorter wait times should book appointments in the evenings and at any of the 14 vaccination centers here,” a spokesperson said.
Some readers had told ST that they had to wait two hours or more to receive their blows, and that some health workers had repeatedly asked them the same questions.
The Health Ministry said on Sunday (March 7) that in the past, those receiving their Covid-19 injections would have had to verify their personal information and medical history four times to make sure they were eligible and that the vaccine was administered to the appropiate person.
This has now been reduced to just two: one on registration and one before getting vaccinated.
The Health Ministry stressed, however, that the safety of those who receive the vaccine remains the top priority.
People are also encouraged to come at the scheduled time for the appointment, the spokesperson said.
For vaccination centers such as Terminal 4 of Changi Airport, the Ministry of Health works with agencies to coordinate the arrival time of the different groups.
Measures have also been put in place including a sticker system to regulate the flow of people throughout the vaccination process there, making the experience smoother.
The Health Ministry said the maximum waiting time before check-in at Changi Airport Terminal 4 is about 30 minutes during peak periods.
At other centers, people can wait an hour or less, he said.
Medical student Crystal Lee said her vaccination experience at Toa Payoh Polyclinic had been “fast and efficient.”
The 25-year-old received her first chance on the afternoon of February 19, after having reserved a spot in advance.
Ms. Lee said that she had to wait only about 15 minutes to receive the jab. “There were about five people in front of me, but the wait was not so bad,” he said.
Meanwhile, an 82-year-old retiree who just wanted to be known as Mr. Koh said he encountered a queue of about 35 people when he arrived at 8.25am for his 8.30am appointment at Outram Polyclinic.
Despite this, he said the process was “very orderly.”
Speaking in Mandarin, he said: “It was well organized, every step was very clear.” He was also provided free bottled water during his half-hour wait to see a nurse.
However, he said he was later advised not to get vaccinated due to a pre-existing medical condition.
Koh said he did not recall being asked to declare this while checking in online, although he was not sure if it was due to a technical glitch or his own mistake as he was unfamiliar with the online reservation system.
“It can be a bit difficult for older people to use the computer system. They should make it a little easier,” he said.
He added that the polyclinic staff were polite and professional while explaining the situation, saying: “I am not upset. I feel that the health workers are being meticulous, and it is good that they make sure that those who are not fit for the jab I don’t get it. “
On Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, who is also an East Coast GRC MP, posted on Facebook that the Bedok CC Covid-19 vaccination center will start operating from Monday (March 8).
He wrote: “Help our seniors get vaccinated, and I encourage you to do so when offered. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but your loved ones as well.”
16 additional vaccination centers will be progressively opened over the next few weeks, bringing the total of these centers here to 31 by the end of the month.
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