​Which vaccine is approved for use in Singapore?

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has assessed that the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines meets safety and efficacy standards. HSA has authorised its use locally under the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) which facilitates early access to vaccines and medicines during a pandemic, such as COVID-19. 

​How effective is the vaccine? How long does the protection last? 

Based on the Phase 3 trial data from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, the efficacy of the vaccines in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 disease after completion of the vaccine regimen is about 95%. Updated data from the Pfizer and Moderna Phase 3 trials on individuals with a follow-up time of at least six months showed that the vaccines continue to be effective for at least six months with no signs of waning protection. MOH will continue to monitor and review further data on the duration of immunity.

​Can vaccinated persons get infected with COVID-19? Are they less able to transmit the disease?

Vaccination was shown to be around 95% effective in preventing symptomatic disease. That means that some vaccinated persons may still be vulnerable to infection.

​For more information on Singapore's COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, please visit https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 and/or https://vaccine.gov.sg.

​Who should not get the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines?

1. Hives or face/eyelid/lip/throat swelling;
   
2. Difficulty breathing;
   
3. Dizziness.
   

​If I have a history of anaphylaxis to other medications, drugs, food, insect stings, or unknown triggers, can I take the mRNA-based vaccine? Am I at higher risk of anaphylaxis?

​If I have a history of NSAIDS-induced angioedema or multiple allergies, can I be vaccinated with the mRNA-based vaccine?

​If I have a prior COVID-19 infection, can I still be vaccinated?

If you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection and have not completed the COVID-19 vaccination, you may receive a single dose of vaccine. This applies to recovered persons who are unvaccinated and recovered persons who had received one dose of vaccine before being infected. There is evidence shown that a single dose of vaccine can further boost the immunity against COVID-19 in people who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection.

If you have recovered from a COVID-19 infection, you should discuss with your doctor on when to receive the vaccine. The general recommendation is to wait at least 6 months from the date of infection before receiving the vaccine dose. 

No routine testing by PCR or serology is required before getting COVID-19 vaccination to determine eligibility for vaccination. 

​Is COVID-19 vaccination safe for those with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, high cholestrol and diabetes?

​Are there any side effects? What should I do if i suffer from any side effects?

See a doctor if:

• The side effects persist or get worse
• The fever persists for more than 48 hours (2 days)
  
• Respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath or loss of sense of taste/smell develops
  

​Would there be post-vaccination monitoring in place, e.g. will some staff and residents continually be tested for COVID-19 virus antibodies, to determine durability of the vaccination response?

As a condition for the interim authorisation under PSAR, vaccine companies including Pfizer-BioNTech are required to monitor the longer term efficacy of the vaccine to determine the duration of protection against COVID-19, as well as follow up on the safety of the vaccine for a longer period of time to determine its full safety profile. Vaccine companies must continue submitting the longer term follow up data to HSA to assure the continued effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. HSA will actively review the data to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the known risks. When sufficient data is available for full registration, the companies will be required to file an application to transit the status of the product from PSAR interim authorisation to full registration.

Research studies will be conducted to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 vaccination, including the durability and the extent the vaccine is able to prevent transmission. Hence, vaccinated persons may be recruited for such studies.

​With COVID-19 vaccines deployed, is there still a need to practise safe-distancing, mask wearing and good hand hygiene if I am vaccinated?

Clinical data on the duration of the vaccine’s protection and its effectiveness in preventing transmission is still being monitored. Until a significant proportion of the population is vaccinated, you will need to continue to practise public health measures, such as safe distancing, mask wearing and good hand hygiene, so that we can continue to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

​Can I use the proof of vaccination for travel purposes? Will it be recognised by other countries?