Enhanced protection offered as vaccination centres prepare to close.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) announced the availability of two updated Covid-19 vaccines starting 28 October 2024. These vaccines, designed to target current and emerging strains, will be offered at nearly 500 clinics and 10 polyclinics. The five remaining Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs) will cease operations on 1 December 2024.
Improved Protection
According to the MOH, the updated vaccines provide a stronger immune response and enhanced protection compared to previous versions, with comparable safety profiles. These changes align with recommendations from the Expert Committee for Immunisation (ECI).
The vaccines are particularly encouraged for:
Individuals aged 60 and older.
Medically vulnerable individuals from six months old.
Residents of aged care facilities.
Healthcare workers and those in close contact with medically vulnerable individuals are also advised to get vaccinated.
Vaccination Guidelines
Unvaccinated individuals should follow these updated schedules:
Ages 6 months to 4 years: Two doses, eight weeks apart.
Ages 5 and older: One dose, reduced from the previous two-dose requirement.
Vaccinated individuals aged six months or older are recommended to receive an additional dose one year after their last vaccination.
Under the National Vaccination Programme, these vaccines are free for all eligible individuals.
Closure of JTVCs
With expanded access to vaccines through clinics and polyclinics, the JTVCs in Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Kaki Bukit, Sengkang, and Woodlands will close on 1 December.
Regional Leadership
Singapore is the first country in Southeast Asia to fully approve the updated Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals aged six months and older.
This rollout underscores Singapore’s commitment to adapting its vaccination efforts to address the evolving nature of Covid-19.
