COVID-19: Bivalent vaccination to extend to 18-to-49 age group from Monday
SINGAPORE — With multiple COVID-19 sub-variants circulating globally, Singapore will be progressively inviting eligible individuals aged 18 to 49 years to receive an additional dose of the bivalent vaccine from Monday (7 November).
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a media release on Friday that those who are eligible will receive an SMS with a personalised booking link to make an appointment at one of the city-state's joint testing and vaccination centres (JTVCs).
Individuals in the 40-to-49 age group will be invited first, before the ministry gradually moves on to the lower age groups. To avoid overcrowding the JTVCs, walk-in appointments will be available only for persons aged 50 years and above and healthcare workers.
Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty bivalent vaccine approved for use
MOH added in the media release that the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty bivalent vaccine has been approved for use in individuals aged 12 years and above.
It is encouraging individuals, including children, to receive COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible to do so, in order to ensure timely protection. They are also encouraged not to delay vaccination to wait for specific vaccines that may become available only in the future.
All adults should ensure that they keep up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination. This means that after getting their minimum protection, they should receive an additional booster dose between five months to one year from their last dose.
Fourth round of ART kit distribution
As reinfections become more common, MOH said that those who experience symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose or fever after 28 days from their previous infection, should also test themselves for COVID-19.
To encourage Singaporeans to self-test, the COVID-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) will conduct a fourth round of Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kit distribution.
Each household will receive 12 ART kits, with deliveries starting from 21 November. As it is the peak holiday season and there is a high volume of ART kits being delivered, some households may receive kits later than others.
Beneficiaries of the Social Service Offices and Family Service Centres may continue to request additional ART kits at those locations. MOH will also be working with the Ministry of Education and Early Childhood Development Agency to provide additional ART kits to students from lower-income households.
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