Pfizer-BioNTech Covid Vax Approved for Use by Singapore

Singapore on Monday followed a growing list of countries, including the US and the UK, in granting the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to prevent Covid-19 in individuals aged 16 years and above.

The vaccination regime advised by Pfizer-BioNTech requires 2 doses of vaccine to be administered 21 days apart.

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‘Singapore plans to progressively vaccinate their entire population, starting with first priority for those who are at greater risk including healthcare workers, frontline workers and vulnerable groups such as elderly.’

Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore, stated in a national broadcast that the vaccine doses' first shipment should reach by the end of this month.

Lee said, "We also anticipate other vaccines to arrive in Singapore in the following months. If everything works out according to the plan, we will have sufficient vaccines for everyone in Singapore by the third quarter of 2021."

Singapore's Ministry of Health stated, "Vaccine supply will be limited globally at the initial stages and will reach Singapore in batches over several months. We will progressively vaccinate our whole population, with our first priority for those who are at greater risk."

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An expert panel set up by the ministry suggested that vaccination starts with groups who are at higher risk and hence most in need, including healthcare workers and frontline workers and vulnerable groups at greater risk of critical complications from Covid-19 infection, such as the elderly.

While everyone who is medically fit should be vaccinated, vaccination should remain voluntary, the committee said.

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The Ministry of Health said, "To acquire early access to safe and effective vaccines for our population, we have signed Advance Purchase Agreements with Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac, and are in talks with a few other pharmaceutical companies."

As of noon on Monday, there were no new cases of locally transmitted Covid-19 infection in Singapore.

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Source-Medindia