Janil Puthucheary on free COVID-19 booster shots
Singapore has no plans to charge for COVID-19 vaccination as vaccines still play a critical role in keeping the virus at bay. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that seniors and people who are medically vulnerable continue to get a yearly booster dose. Those who are younger – aged 12 to 59 – and healthy can also get the jab if they choose to. Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said this in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 19) in reply to an MP’s question. He said Singapore is now able to live with COVID-19 not because it has suddenly become a mild disease but because the country’s resilience has strengthened, and it is important to maintain that. Vaccines are continually being updated to ensure they are effective against new variants and Singapore’s contracts with suppliers allow it to get the latest shots once they are assessed to be appropriate for the local situation. The Health Sciences Authority recently approved Pfizer’s monovalent XBB1.5 vaccine and is reviewing other vaccines that target this strain. An expert committee is reviewing data on Pfizer’s updated Comirnaty shot and will be giving its recommendations. The vaccine could arrive in Singapore by the end of next month. As for remaining COVID-19 measures, such as requiring mask-wearing in healthcare settings, Dr Janil said his ministry will continue to review the situation and adjust its approach where needed.
Singapore has no plans to charge for COVID-19 vaccination as vaccines still play a critical role in keeping the virus at bay. The Ministry of Health strongly recommends that seniors and people who are medically vulnerable continue to get a yearly booster dose. Those who are younger – aged 12 to 59 – and healthy can also get the jab if they choose to. Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary said this in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 19) in reply to an MP’s question. He said Singapore is now able to live with COVID-19 not because it has suddenly become a mild disease but because the country’s resilience has strengthened, and it is important to maintain that. Vaccines are continually being updated to ensure they are effective against new variants and Singapore’s contracts with suppliers allow it to get the latest shots once they are assessed to be appropriate for the local situation. The Health Sciences Authority recently approved Pfizer’s monovalent XBB1.5 vaccine and is reviewing other vaccines that target this strain. An expert committee is reviewing data on Pfizer’s updated Comirnaty shot and will be giving its recommendations. The vaccine could arrive in Singapore by the end of next month. As for remaining COVID-19 measures, such as requiring mask-wearing in healthcare settings, Dr Janil said his ministry will continue to review the situation and adjust its approach where needed.
Popular Shows
