More than 26,000 Home Team officers have received first dose of Covid-19 vaccine: MHA

SINGAPORE — A total of 26,218 Home Team officers have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as of Friday (Feb 26). Of these, 19,058 have received their second dose, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Saturday.

The ministry started the first stage of the vaccination exercise on Jan 11 for 1,050 officers involved in front-line healthcare operations.

Officers from the Singapore Civil Defence Force’s Emergency Medical Services, the Home Team medical services division and Singapore Prison Service medical services division were among the first to be offered the jab.

Front-line officers from the Home Team Science and Technology Agency who run laboratory tests on Covid-19 swab samples from travellers were also offered the vaccine.

MHA has since begun vaccination for Home Team officers who perform front-line enforcement and essential service duties. 

On the whole, 83 per cent of medically eligible officers have chosen to receive the vaccination, the ministry said.

In the first stage of vaccinations, about 1,120 Home Team officers were identified and 94 per cent agreed to take the jab.

Responding to TODAY's query, an MHA spokesperson said: "Officers have declined vaccination citing various reasons such as family planning."

Even so, the ministry's permanent secretary Pang Kin Keong said he was very glad that the large majority of front-line Home Team officers have decided to receive the vaccination.

“They perform roles critical for our country’s safety and security, and together with colleagues from other ministries, have been helping us to manage the pandemic, and getting vaccinated is therefore an important step.

“It will protect them and ensure that they are able to continue carrying out their responsibilities, and also protect their families and those whom we serve.” CNA

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