Singapore locals get to choose their vaccine
The Ministry of Health’s list of vaccination centres allows residents to choose which Covid-19 vaccine they would like to take.
CAPE TOWN, April 16 (ANA) – Singapore’s Ministry of Health has published a list of vaccination centres that allows residents to choose which Covid-19 vaccine they would like to take.
The Straits Times, a Singapore-based publication, reported on Tuesday that the Moderna shot was available at 11 centres, and Pfizer-BioNTech’s shot at 27 other vaccine distribution centres.
However, due to the demand for the vaccine, authorities have warned residents who are looking to book online that slots and supplies are limited at certain centres.
“Each vaccination centre will only stock and administer one type of vaccine,” the ministry said in a statement.
“Individuals must select the same vaccination centre for both their first and second appointments when booking via the national appointment system,” it said.
According to the Mothership, a Singapore-based internet media company, officials have approved both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, stating that the two work similarly and their efficacy rates are roughly the same, with Moderna at 94% and Pfizer at 95%.
In January, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong urged locals to take the vaccine and announced that it would be free for citizens, permanent residents, people with work permits, foreign domestic workers and long-term visitors.
“In case of a fresh outbreak, with more people vaccinated we can keep the number of cases low, minimise the stress on our health-care system, ensure that those who are ill get the treatment they need, and allow us to return to normalcy sooner,” said Gan.
Meanwhile, after months of strict lockdown regulations, Singapore has eased restrictions to allow Muslims to share Ramadaan with their families and return to pray at mosques.
Migrant workers who were quarantined in dormitories can now get back to a normal routine by returning to work and performing congregational prayers.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher
