Are there any side effects? What should I do if i suffer from any side effects?The vaccine has been assessed to be safe for use. However, you may experience some common side effects, similar to other vaccines. Most side effects are mild or moderate, and usually get better within a few days. The table below lists some common side effects that have been reported with this vaccine, and how to manage them.
Side Effects
| How to Manage | Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site
| Take 1 - 2 tablets of Paracetemol every 6 hours as required
| Fever, chills
| Headache, muscle pain, joint pain
| Tiredness
| Rest
| Lymph node swelling at neck or arms
| It will usually get better in a week or so
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See a doctor if:
- The side effects persist or get worse
- The fever persists for more than 48 hours (2 days)
In very rare cases, this vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Signs of
a severe allergic reaction include: difficulty breathing, swelling of your
face, throat, eyes or lips, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness or a bad
rash all over your body. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek
medical attention immediately. Call 995 or go to the nearest A&E
immediately.
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How long do we have to observe and report the side effects from the
vaccine? Which side effect takes the longest to manifest?Most side effects will resolve within three days. Though uncommon,
lymphadenopathy (lymph node swelling) can be vaccine-related, and takes around
7 to 10 days to resolve.
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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.
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How soon after vaccination can I try to conceive? Can I be vaccinated if I am pregnant? If I have already received dose 1 of the vaccine, should I complete the course?Women who are planning a pregnancy are advised to defer conception for one month after completing the 2-dose vaccine series.
There is currently not enough evidence to advise on the use of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women defer vaccination until more data become available, or receive vaccination after delivery. If you become pregnant after dose 1 and before dose 2, you are advised not to receive dose 2.
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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.
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What sort of activities will vaccinated persons be allowed to do? Will
they be exempted from measures such as pre-event and/or pre-departure/entry to
Singapore testing? What about public health measures such as quarantine?While there is evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in
preventing symptomatic disease, the extent of their ability in preventing
transmission to others is still being studied.
Vaccinated persons should still continue to adhere to public health and general
safe management measures.
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Can I use the proof of vaccination for travel purposes? Will it be recognised by other countries?Jurisdictions have different travel restrictions and requirements, please verify jurisdictions’ restrictions and requirements before you travel.
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Will existing measures such as RRT, ARI testing and donning of PPE by staff still be required for those who are vaccinated?Public health measures, such as safe distancing, mask wearing and good hand hygiene, should continue to be practised. MOH will continue to assess the local situation in the review of the various public measures. Amongst others, this will take into account considerations such as the take-up of vaccine in the population, the availability of data on the vaccine’s duration of protection and the extent of its ability to prevent transmission.
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