Singapore starts COVID-19 jabs for seniors, with Ang Mo Kio, Tanjong Pagar residents receiving shots
By Yuen Sin and Linette Lai, The Straits Times, 28 Jan 2021
The vaccination drive for the elderly got under way yesterday as seniors in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar began receiving Covid-19 jabs at polyclinics and the community vaccination centre at Tanjong Pagar Community Club.
The pilot scheme will eventually be expanded to seniors in other precincts.
With some clutching appointment cards, they began streaming into the polyclinics from as early as 8am to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who visited Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic, said he was glad that the vaccination process for seniors there was running smoothly, with more than 200 having made appointments to receive vaccine jabs at the polyclinic yesterday.
"So far, everybody who has booked those slots has turned up. Very few no-shows. So I think that people are taking it seriously and in the right spirit," he said.
More than 120 also got vaccinated at Outram Polyclinic yesterday. In all, close to 100,000 people have been vaccinated here since the drive started last month, up from over 60,000 as at last Friday.
Housewife Chin Mee Jung, 71, said she was nervous before her appointment at Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic. But she received her jab without any hiccups.
"It wasn't painful, and it will be even scarier if I did not get vaccinated and end up contracting the virus," said Madam Chin.
Madam Lee Oi Lin, 70, was also initially apprehensive but decided to get vaccinated at Outram Polyclinic for her own protection.
"Actually, I was a little worried at first because I am a senior," the retiree said in Mandarin, adding that she has high blood pressure and high blood sugar.
"But after thinking about it, I still decided to get vaccinated."
Mr Mohamed Haniffa Mohamed Ali, a 64-year-old security officer, also received the vaccine at the Outram site yesterday.
Both his daughters - one is a nurse and the other works as a screener in a hotel - have been vaccinated.
"I consulted them and they said 'Father, go ahead'," he said.
However, a senior, who wanted to be known only as Mr Ho, said he was advised not to take the jab after turning up at Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic for his appointment, as he had previously developed allergic reactions to a painkiller.
"The staff at the polyclinic had asked very detailed questions about my medical history. Though I can't take the jab today, it is better to be safe than sorry, in case there are complications," the 73-year-old said in Mandarin.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 seniors in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar will receive letters inviting them to book appointments to get vaccinated, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said last week. This number may increase or be reduced, depending on the response.
The pilots in the two towns will help the Ministry of Health iron out any operational issues before it scales up the programme nationwide, with vaccinations to be progressively extended to all seniors from the middle of next month.
Vaccines will also be offered to seniors at the community vaccination centre at Teck Ghee Community Club in Ang Mo Kio, which will be set up by Feb 1.
Each of the 24 towns here will have one community vaccination centre by end-March at locations like community centres.
PM Lee said seniors have told him that Silver Generation Ambassadors have been visiting them to provide information on the vaccines.
"It is good for you, it is safe, it is free, and will help all of us," he said.
Senior couple in first batch to get COVID-19 vaccine urge others to get theirs 'so that we can all be safe'
By Ivan Kwee, The Straits Times, 28 Jan 2021
Madam Tan Choon Kiat, 71, and her husband Goh Chin Heng, 75, never hesitated about whether to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
When the couple first learnt about the benefits of the vaccine from watching the news, they knew they should get vaccinated.
"It's not just us - everyone should take the vaccine as soon as possible, so that we can all be safe," Madam Tan said in Mandarin.
The duo received their vaccines yesterday at Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic, under a pilot scheme that offers vaccinations to seniors in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar.
The couple were pleased with the vaccination process, saying it went smoothly from start to end.
Mr Goh said in Mandarin: "The nurses at the polyclinic were polite, and the polyclinic was very orderly. When it was my turn, I didn't even feel the needle when the nurse gave me the jab."
The couple spent 30 minutes under observation at the polyclinic, in line with precautionary measures in case of any adverse reactions.
The pair, who have a history of medical conditions, said they did not experience any side effects as they went about their day, having breakfast at a hawker centre nearby before walking home.
They live with their two sons in a Housing Board flat located a 15-minute walk from Ang Mo Kio town centre.
Mr Goh, who used to work as a bus inspector, said: "Our children were a little worried at first, but after hearing that we were okay, they were relieved."
Since the pandemic began, he and his wife have left their home only when necessary.
"The vaccine is like insurance for when we have to go out, but we must still continue to take care of ourselves and wear our masks," said Mr Goh.
PM Lee Hsien Loong urges Singaporeans to guard against new clusters during Chinese New Year
Celebrate differently this year to avoid risk of super-spreader event and a lockdown, he says
By Yuen Sin and Linette Lai, The Straits Times, 28 Jan 2021
Singaporeans have to take precautions as they celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year amid the coronavirus pandemic, to guard against the risk of new clusters forming, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.
On his part, he will be having a small celebration at home. PM Lee said: "I am going to do my usual visits to essential workers who are still working away during this period... Then I will celebrate Chinese New Year with eight visitors - not more - from the family."
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic, where vaccinations for seniors aged 70 and above kicked off yesterday, PM Lee stressed that there remains a danger of a super-spreader event occurring during the festivities.
Chinese New Year, he noted, involves people visiting one another in large numbers, just like other festivals. "You have food, you have drinks, you have a good time, you gamble together... Each time you do that, there is a risk."
The Government is able to keep things under control if one or two cases emerge, he added.
"Five, six, seven cases in a cluster, if we are lucky, we work very hard, we trace hundreds of people, we can squeeze it down."
But if a few dozen clusters emerge, then there is a very real risk that Singapore may go back to the situation in March and April last year, when cases spiked. "We had to lock down with a circuit breaker, and that's a very high and disruptive cost for all of us in Singapore to pay."
Rather than take that risk, Singaporeans can restrain themselves, and celebrate Chinese New Year differently this year to keep Singapore safe, PM Lee added.
Under new measures announced by the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force, only up to eight visitors are allowed per household each day.
Individuals are advised to visit a maximum of two households daily.
Diners should also avoid shouting auspicious phrases when engaging in lohei, or the tossing of yusheng.
PM Lee said: "When you lohei, please do it in your hearts. If you must have the sound, there are very good apps - you press the button and they will say the right words for you."
He also said he hopes everybody will understand that this will not be a normal Year of the Ox. "Celebrate it in the right spirit but keep ourselves safe, so that perhaps a year from now, when the Year of the Tiger comes around, we would be roaring like a tiger."
PM Lee, who received his first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Jan 8, said he will be receiving his second dose tomorrow. Apart from his arm feeling slightly sore for the first two days, he did not have any side effects.
President Halimah Yacob also got the jab on the sidelines of a visit to Outram Polyclinic yesterday. "The process was quick, simple and not painful at all," she wrote in a Facebook post afterwards.
She urged Singaporeans to take the vaccine when it becomes available to them, adding that a high level of vaccination coverage will maximise protection for the population and minimise the proportion of people still susceptible to Covid-19.
Madam Halimah added that the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore's position is that Covid-19 vaccines are permissible for use by Muslims.
"By taking the vaccination, we will not only protect ourselves, but also our loved ones against Covid-19, as we need to safeguard our family members and friends," she said.
Over 113,000 people in Singapore received first COVID-19 vaccine dose as of 28 Jan 2021: MOH
3 young individuals who had severe allergic reactions discharged after recovery: MOH
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 29 Jan 2021
More than 113,000 people have received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) received 432 "adverse event reports" linked to symptoms generally associated with all vaccinations.
Most of them were for injection site pain and swelling, fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, giddiness, nausea and allergic reactions such as itch, rash, swelling of eyes or lip.
Most of these symptoms resolved on their own within a few days, said the MOH.
But all three individuals, who are in their 20s and 30s, have recovered and were discharged from hospital after a day's observation or treatment, MOH said in a statement.
They had developed multiple symptoms such as rash, breathlessness, lip swelling, throat tightness and giddiness, but were "promptly detected and treated", it added.
All three had a history of allergies, including allergic rhinitis and food allergy such as to shellfish, but none had a history of anaphylaxis which would have precluded them from receiving the vaccine, said MOH.
"As all vaccinated persons in Singapore are closely monitored, the symptoms in these three individuals were promptly detected and treated," it added.
MOH said that the incidence rate of anaphylaxis in Singapore stands at about 2.7 per 100,000 doses administered.
This is compared with a rate of around one to two per 100,000 doses administered abroad, over millions of doses.
"Variations in the incidence rate are to be expected initially as the numbers vaccinated in Singapore to-date are relatively small."
In its update, the ministry noted that more than 50 individuals have also received their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
"These numbers are expected to rise substantially in the coming weeks as we continue to ramp up our vaccination operations safely," said MOH.
The ministry said that currently, the benefits of getting vaccinated to protect oneself from the effects of severe Covid-19 disease and its complications "far outweigh" the risk of any known potential adverse events.
The ministry said it will continue to work with HSA and the Expert Committee on Covid-19 Vaccination to closely monitor the safety of the vaccine and ensure the vaccines used in Singapore are safe for its population groups.
MOH's director of medical services Kenneth Mak said that anaphylaxis is a known but rare side effect of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
As with all vaccines, there will always be a small proportion who experience severe allergic reactions upon vaccination, he said, adding that measures have been put in place, such as pre-and post-vaccination screening.
"Healthcare professionals in Singapore generally have a high rate of reporting of adverse events, which reflects their vigilance and promptness to report any adverse events.
"We will continue to work with them and our partners to ensure that vaccinations are performed safely. Vaccination remains safe for those who are eligible, and I encourage all Singaporeans and long-term residents to be vaccinated when your turn comes," he added.
All 20 polyclinics to offer seniors vaccinations from 1 Feb 2021: MOH
By Lim Min Zhang, The Straits Times, 29 Jan 2021
From Monday, all 20 polyclinics islandwide will offer Covid-19 vaccinations to seniors, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday.
This is up from the nine polyclinics and 21 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) where seniors can already get the vaccine, said MOH.
The elderly may be more familiar with polyclinics and PHPCs, which will be wheelchair-accessible, the ministry noted.
As for seniors with mobility issues who may find it challenging to get to a vaccination site, mobile vaccination teams will be set up to deliver the vaccines to them, added the ministry.
MOH's update comes as vaccinations for seniors aged 70 and above began on Wednesday in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar towns, where a large number of elderly people live. Over 250 seniors got their vaccinations on the first day.
MOH said sign-ups have been encouraging. It has sent letters to more than 10,000 seniors in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar, and over one-third have booked their appointments within two days of getting the invitation to register.
The remaining seniors in these areas will receive their letters in the coming week.
Personalised letters to seniors living elsewhere in Singapore, asking them to sign up for their vaccination, will be progressively sent out from the middle of next month, MOH added.
In addition, another 40 vaccination centres will be set up over the next few weeks to ensure that everyone can conveniently get their vaccine. They will be in high-population catchment areas or along major public transport routes for greater accessibility. Each centre will be able to administer an estimated 2,000 vaccinations a day.
A new vaccination centre was set up at Tanjong Pagar Community Club on Wednesday, while another at Teck Ghee Community Club will be operational from Monday.
MOH to provide financial assistance for those with serious side effects from COVID-19 vaccine
By Dominic Low, The Straits Times, 29 Jan 2021
A financial assistance programme will be introduced for those suffering from serious side effects related to the Covid-19 vaccine, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) yesterday.
"This programme will give a greater peace of mind for those taking the vaccination," the MOH added.
Those who suffered permanent severe disability or have died as a result of the vaccination will be given a single payout of $225,000.
Individuals who experienced serious side effects after the vaccination can also continue to concurrently receive support through applicable healthcare schemes, such as MediShield Life and subsidies at public healthcare institutions.
To qualify for the financial assistance programme, an individual must be a Singapore citizen, permanent resident or long-term pass holder who has received the vaccine here.
They must have also experienced a serious side effect that is potentially life-threatening or fatal, and had required inpatient hospitalisation or caused persistent incapacity or disability.
The side effect must be assessed by a doctor to be linked to the individual's vaccination.
As the severity of serious side effects can be broad and assessment by the treatment doctors may vary, the MOH has appointed an independent clinical panel to assess and adjudicate applications for the financial assistance programme.
The panel will comprise experts in fields such as neurology, immunology and infectious diseases, said the MOH.
As at Wednesday, more than 113,000 people have received their first dose of the vaccine.
Over 50 individuals have also received their second dose of the vaccine and completed the full vaccination regimen.
The ministry added that these numbers are expected to rise substantially in the coming weeks as more people get inoculated.
Singapore kick-started its vaccination drive on Dec 30 last year.
It plans to have enough vaccines for all citizens and long-term pass holders by the third quarter of this year.
95-year-old gets COVID-19 shot as nursing homes begin drive
Six have started inoculating residents, with four more set to proceed in next two weeks
By Cara Wong, The Straits Times, 30 Jan 2021
A 95-year-old woman was among the first residents to receive their Covid-19 shots as nursing homes here started their vaccination programme.
She received her first dose of the vaccine this week as her nursing home, LC Nursing Home, is one of six that have started inoculating their residents against the coronavirus.
The home said the resident is in good condition and has not suffered any adverse effects.
Said LC Nursing Home director Tony Chia: "If our 95-year-old resident can be injected, it goes to show that the public doesn't have to worry about receiving the vaccination."
All six nursing homes received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for their residents, and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) said they can choose to conduct their own vaccination exercises with trained nursing staff, or opt for a mobile vaccination team to administer the vaccine to residents.
Nursing homes emerged as a vulnerable sector during the pandemic, and clusters formed at several homes last year, including the Lee Ah Mooi Old Age Home and the Orange Valley Nursing Home's branch in Simei.
Other nursing homes that have started vaccinating residents include the NTUC Health nursing homes in Chai Chee and Geylang East, and the Ren Ci Nursing Home in Bukit Batok Street 52, which was the first to vaccinate residents on Jan 20.
LC Nursing Home has vaccinated 22 residents so far, and took precautions by having a doctor vet eligible patients throughout the process, said Dr Chia.
The residents and their guardians were informed of the vaccination for them to give consent or choose to opt out, he added.
Dr Darren Chen, senior manager of clinical services at NTUC Health, said half the pool of eligible residents at its three homes in Chai Chee, Geylang East and Jurong West have given their consent to be vaccinated.
The chain's doctors and nurses have been reviewing the residents' medical records to assess their suitability, he said, adding that they look at factors such as whether the residents have drug or food allergies, or are receiving cancer treatment.
"For residents who are suitable to be vaccinated but are apprehensive or do not give their consent, they will be further engaged so they have the opportunity to reconsider," Dr Chen said.
Vaccinated residents are monitored closely for 30 minutes after receiving the injection, with the homes' nurses looking out for signs of allergic reactions, he added.
About 100 residents will have received their first dose of the vaccine by the end of this month, he said.
Mr Lum Weng Kee, 72, is one of those who gave his consent to be vaccinated. He received his shot on Thursday at the NTUC Health nursing home in Geylang East.
"I decided on my own to take the vaccine because I want to protect my family... I want to stay around longer and hopefully not 'go' so quickly," he said.
The AIC said it has been working with community care providers to progressively roll out the vaccinations, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks.
Another four homes are expected to start vaccinating residents in the next two weeks. There are 77 nursing homes here.
Anaphylaxis and other COVID-19 vaccine side effects: Should I be worried?
By Cheryl Tan, The Straits Times, 30 Jan 2021
Questions have arisen following reports of three cases of anaphylaxis, or the rapid onset of severe allergic reactions, after vaccinations. The Straits Times looks into the severity of these reactions and whether they should be a cause for concern.
Q Why is it that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is able to cause anaphylaxis in people, even if they do not have any history of it?
A Professor Dale Fisher, a senior infectious diseases consultant at the National University Hospital, said a possibility could be that the vaccine contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), which is an adjuvant, or an ingredient used to create a stronger immune response. The chemical is used in some medications, and has caused anaphylaxis in the past, though the cases have been rare.
Infectious diseases expert Leong Hoe Nam from the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital said that another possibility could be allergic reactions to the lipid nanoparticles, which are used to stabilise the mRNA in the vaccine so the body does not destroy it too quickly.
Dr Asok Kurup, who chairs the Academy of Medicine's Chapter of Infectious Disease Physicians, said there is a possibility that such reactions are unpredictable. He added that all medical professionals have been advised to ensure that all post-vaccine observation sites should have the "relevant support and supplies to treat anaphylaxis and other serious reactions". Some patients who have had previous serious reactions that are not tantamount to anaphylaxis can also opt to get their vaccines at hospital sites instead.
Q What are the general causes of anaphylaxis?
A Dr Tseng Hsien-Cho, physician lead at the Raffles Medical Group who is also involved in the vaccine centre operations, said anaphylaxis is the result of one's natural immune system overreacting to a trigger. This could be something one is allergic to, but it might not always be the case, he noted.
Some common triggers include foods such as nuts, milk, fish, shellfish or eggs, as well as medicine such as antibiotics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and insect stings.
However, there might be instances where there is no obvious trigger, which is known as idiopathic anaphylaxis, said Dr Tseng. This explains why those who have received the vaccine are observed for 30 minutes afterwards as a precautionary measure.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis are often severe and almost immediate, said Prof Fisher. These include swelling of the face and airways, wheezing, and the falling of blood pressure.
Q How can anaphylaxis be treated?
A An adrenaline auto-injector, or an EpiPen, can be used to quickly reverse allergic reactions, for example improving breathing and reducing swelling, said Dr Tseng. A second injection can be administered after five to 15 minutes if the symptoms do not improve.
Other treatment options include an oxygen mask to help with breathing, fluids to be directly injected into a vein to increase blood pressure, as well as other medications such as antihistamines and steroids to relieve symptoms.
Q Is anaphylaxis also a common reaction to other types of vaccines?
A Allergic reactions are a common risk for all vaccines, and allergies may or may not be known to the patient and doctor, said Dr Tseng.
Prof Fisher said anaphylaxis is a rare side effect which affects around one or two people per million vaccinations. The effect has also been described in flu vaccines, pneumococcal vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine, and the MMR vaccine (which prevents measles, mumps and rubella).
Q Should I still be taking the vaccine if I have any known allergies?
A Yes, though it is recommended that you discuss with your doctor if you are worried.
Prior to taking the vaccination, people will be asked to share their medical history and complete a health assessment form to declare any known allergies, said Dr Tseng. "Physicians will then have to weigh the risk and benefit per vaccination. For instance, if an individual has known allergic reactions, such as small patches of rashes that can be treated with antihistamines, the benefits of getting a vaccine would outweigh the risk," he said.
However, Dr Leong Choon Kit, a family physician at Mission Medical Clinic, whose clinic is one of the 21 Public Health Preparedness Clinics which have begun administering the vaccines, said those with prior allergies, such as allergic rhinitis, have the same chance of developing anaphylaxis as others, and are not facing significantly higher risk.
Q When do I need to see a doctor for vaccine symptoms or side effects?
A According to the Ministry of Health's website, most side effects will usually resolve on their own within three days. To relieve these symptoms, take one to two tablets of paracetamol every six hours where necessary.
Though uncommon, it is also possible to experience swelling of the lymph nodes after taking the vaccine. This usually takes seven to 10 days to resolve. However, you should see a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, or if your fever persists for more than two days.
If you experience a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, throat, eyes or lips, dizziness and weakness, or a bad rash all over your body, seek medical attention immediately.
Related
COVID-19 safe management measures tightened from 26 January 2021; senior citizens to be vaccinated from 27 January, starting with pilots in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar
One year of COVID-19 in Singapore: Interview with Ministers Gan Kim Yong and Lawrence Wong
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