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What we know about the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in Singapore

If you're confused about who can get vaccinated and how to do so, we’ve got you covered.

Ruth Chan

Enjoys solitude. Finds comfort in watching the sunset and drinking milo.

Published: 18 January 2021, 3:44 PM

With the recent arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore, all Singaporeans and long-term residents will soon be offered free vaccinations.

While priority is given to frontline workers and vulnerable groups such as the elderly, everyone should be able to get vaccinated by end-2021.

Here are some updates regarding the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in Singapore.

Notice of eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination being sent out

The government has started sending SMSes inviting those who are eligible to register for their vaccination, starting with healthcare workers.

Upon receiving your notification, please do not forward the SMS to others as the invitation is unique to you. Also, ensure that the link in the SMS ends with “.gov.sg” before clicking on it to prevent falling for scam text messages.

Letters will also be sent to inform the elderly of when they can make online bookings for the vaccine.

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that prior bookings will be necessary, given the cold-chain requirements at the vaccination sites and multi-dose vials of the vaccines.

Vaccinations for healthcare workers started on Dec 30, while vaccinations for the elderly will begin at the end of Jan 2021.

For the rest of the population, further details on how to make the bookings will be provided in due course.

Do note that the vaccination of pregnant women, those with compromised immunity and children under the age of 16 will be deferred until more data on safety and efficacy is available.

Venues for vaccination

Mr Gan also said that by the end of February, Singapore will have eight vaccination centres. Two are already in operation, at Changi Airport’s Terminal 4, and at Raffles City Convention Centre.

By this week, two more centres at the former Hong Kah Secondary School and Woodlands Galaxy Community Club will be ready.

Vaccination shots will also be given at polyclinics and general practitioner clinics.

While there will be enough vaccines for everyone, people will not be allowed to choose the type of vaccine they get.

Till date, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been approved in Singapore. More COVID-19 vaccines are expected to arrive in Singapore in the coming months, including those manufactured by Moderna and Sinovac.

Click here for more information on the COVID-19 vaccination.