🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 36 (from laksa093)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa036.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://asiamd.com/2021/01/12/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://asiamd.com/2021/01/12/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/","crawl_time":1776247507,"first_indexed_time":1617699023,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,asiamd!\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/ s443","src_root_hash":"12563699055810247036","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccines in Singapore - Asiamd","meta_descriptions":["Singapore has purchased Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sinovac. How do these vaccines compare, and are they for you?"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the\nPfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines\nfor use in the\nnational vaccination programme here\n. On October 23, 2021, the\nSinovac vaccine was added to the programme\nas well. On June 1, 2021, the\nWorld Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use\n. The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the\nSpecial Access Route (SAR)\nbut be excluded from the\nVaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme\n. On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with\nsupplies possibly arriving before the end of the year\n. On July 30, it was reported that the\nHealth Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics\nto import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the\nSinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics\nfrom the next day (August 30). It will cost about $100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done\n at this website.\nSingaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of $10 to $25 for each dose,\nat these 24 clinics licensed by MOH\n. \nFollow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https:\/\/bit.ly\/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN \nOther approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works. \nTimeline of events\nDec 14, 2020:\nPM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from\nModerna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac\nhave been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population.\nDec 21, 2020:\nFirst shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive.\nDec 30, 2020:\nHealthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).\nJan 7, 2021:\nMOH says that it has started sending out SMSes\nto invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination.\nJan 8, 2021:\nPM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital.\nJan 29, 2021:\nPM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose.\nFeb 2021:\nVaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19.\nMarch 24: \nThose between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated.\nMay 19:\nMOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination.\nJun 1:\nStudents sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination.\nJune 2:\nMOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers.\nJune 16:\nSinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide.\nAt end-Oct:\nAbout 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose.\nWho are eligible for mRNA vaccination?\nNOT eligible:\n \nThose with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines\nThose with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count < 200\nThose who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000\nChildren under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old.\nEligible:\n \nEveryone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on.\nSource:\nMinistry of Health\nIs the vaccine compulsory?\nThe Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a\ntelevised interview with Channel NewsAsia\n that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added. \nCan those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore?\nTill date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms. \nHow the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell\nCovid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his\nJan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview\nthat the these three vaccines were selected out of a\ntotal of 35\nbefore clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The\nTherapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel)\n, comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A*STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment. \nPfizer-BioNTech\nName of vaccine:\nBNT162b2\nOrigin:\nGermany and the United States\nType:\nmRNA\nNumber of doses required:\n2 shots, 21 days apart\nRecommended for:\nPeople aged 16 years and older\nHow effective:\nPhase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy\nAdverse effects:\nChills, tiredness, headache. Check the\nfull list of ingredients\nto pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\nStorage temperature:\n-75 degrees Celsius \nModerna\nName of vaccine:\nmRNA-1273\nOrigin:\nUS\nType:\nmRNA\nNumber of doses required:\n2 shots, 28 days apart\nRecommended for:\nPeople aged 18 years and older\nHow effective:\nPhase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy\nAdverse effects:\nChills, tiredness, headache. Check the\nfull list of ingredients\nto pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\nStorage temperature:\n-20 degrees Celsius up to six months \nSinovac\nName of vaccine:\nCoronaVac\nOrigin:\nBeijing, China\nType:\nInactivated vaccine (see below)\nNumber of doses required:\n2\nRecommended for:\nPeople aged 18 years and older\nHow effective:\nPhase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click\nhere\nfor updates.\nAdverse effects:\nMinor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed)\nStorage temperature:\n2-8 degrees Celsius \nSinopharm\nName of vaccine:\nBBIBP-CorV\nOrigin:\nBeijing, China\nType:\nInactivated vaccine (see below)\nNumber of doses required:\n2\nRecommended for:\nPeople aged 18 years and older\nHow effective:\nA large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79%\nAdverse effects:\nFever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue.\nStorage temperature:\n2-8 degrees Celsius \nNovavax\nName of vaccine:\nNVX-CoV2373\nOrigin:\nUnited States\nType:\nProtein-based vaccine\nNumber of doses required:\n2\nRecommended for:\nTBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above.\nHow effective:\nPhase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy\nAdverse effects:\nInjection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.\nStorage temperature:\n2-8 degrees Celsius \nBBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source:\nBBC News\nHow do the vaccines work?\nVideo source: World Health Organization\nVaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with\n“memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells)\nthat will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology. \nmRNA vaccines\nmRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future. \nInactivated vaccine technology\nInactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future. \nRecombinant protein subunit vaccine technology\nNovavax\ncontains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine. \nLinks to more information on Covid-19 vaccines:\nGov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine\nCenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines \nWorld Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines\nThe different types of COVID-19 vaccines\nVaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection\nWorld Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines\nBBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines?\nNational Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines\nMinistry of Health – FAQs on booster doses\nFeatured image by\nNataliya Vaitkevich\n from \nPexels","attrs_markdown":"[![Asiamd](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/asiamd-logo-r.png)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/about\/)\n- [Specialist Doctors](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/)\n  - [Bones](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/bones\/)\n    - [Hand Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/hand-surgery\/)\n    - [Orthopaedic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/orthopaedic-surgery\/)\n    - [Sports Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/sports-medicine\/)\n  - [Brain & Nerves](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/brain-and-nerves\/)\n    - [Neurology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/neurology\/)\n    - [Neurosurgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/neurosurgery\/)\n  - [Cancer](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cancer\/)\n    - [Medical Oncology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/medical-oncology\/)\n    - [Radiation Oncology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/radiation-oncology\/)\n  - [Children](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/children\/)\n    - [Paediatric Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/paediatric-medicine\/)\n    - [Paediatric Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/paediatric-surgery\/)\n  - [Ear, Nose & Throat](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/ear-nose-and-throat\/)\n    - [Ear, Nose & Throat](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/ear-nose-and-throat\/)\n  - [Eyes](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/eyes\/)\n    - [Eyes](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/eyes\/)\n  - [General Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/general-surgery\/)\n    - [Abdominal](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/abdominal\/)\n    - [Colon & Intestines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/colon-and-intestines\/)\n    - [Liver & Gallbladder](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/liver\/)\n    - [Stomach](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/stomach\/)\n  - [Heart & Vascular](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/heart-and-vascular\/)\n    - [Cardiology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiology\/)\n    - [Cardiothoracic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiothoracic-surgery\/)\n  - [Hormone Disorders](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/hormone-disorders\/)\n    - [Endocrinology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/endocrinology\/)\n  - [Kidney](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/kidney\/)\n    - [Renal Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/renal-medicine\/)\n    - [Urology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urology\/)\n  - [Infectious Diseases](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/infectious-diseases\/)\n    - [COVID-19](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/covid19\/)\n    - [Vaccines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/vaccines\/)\n  - [Lungs](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/lungs\/)\n    - [Cardiothoracic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiothoracic-surgery\/)\n    - [Respiratory Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/respiratory-medicine\/)\n  - [Body Pain](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/body-pain\/)\n    - [Anaesthesiology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/anesthesiology\/)\n    - [Pain](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/pain\/)\n  - [Skin](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/older-adults-and-seniors\/)\n    - [Dermatology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/dermatology\/)\n    - [Plastic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/plastic-surgery\/)\n  - [Stomach & Digestive System](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/stomach-and-digestive-system\/)\n    - [Gastroenterology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/gastroenterology\/)\n  - [Urinary & Male Reproductive System](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urinary-and-male-reproductive-system\/)\n    - [Urology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urology\/)\n  - [Women](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/women\/)\n    - [Obstetrics & Gynaecology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/obstetrics-gynaecology\/)\n- [Health Tips](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/)\n  - [Asia MD e-Magazine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/asia-md-e-magazine\/)\n  - [Lifestyle](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/lifestyle\/)\n  - [Myth or Fact](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/myth-or-fact\/)\n  - [Patient Safety](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/patient-safety\/)\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/medical-wellness\/)\n- [Innovations](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/innovations\/)\n  - [Products](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/innovations\/innovations-product\/)\n  - [Services](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/innovations\/innovations-services\/)\n- [News & Events](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/)\n  - [News](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/news\/)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/events\/)\n- [FIND A DOCTOR](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/find-a-doctor\/)\n\nConnect with us\n\n## Advertisement\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/970-x-250-1.png)](https:\/\/www.healthtechx-asia.com\/buy-tickets)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/970X250-Y-DUOC.jpg)](https:\/\/medipharmexpo.com\/en\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SHA-2026-AsiaMD-Banner-970-x-250px.png)](https:\/\/smarthealthasia.com\/registrations\/?utm_source=Social-Media&utm_medium=Media+Partners&utm_campaign=AsiaMD)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VR-970x250-1.jpg)](https:\/\/virecexpo.com.vn\/en\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AHW-AsiaMD-Banner-970-x-250px-1.png)](https:\/\/www.iqpc.com\/events-asiahealthcareweek?utm_source=47974.003%20-%20MP%20-%20AsiaMD%20-%20Web%20Banners&utm_medium=Media%20Partner&utm_campaign=47974.003%20-%20MP%20-%20AsiaMD%20-%20Web%20Banners&utm_term=&utm_content=&disc=&extTreatId=7632126)\n\n[![Asiamd](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/asiamd-logo-r.png)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/)\n\n## Asiamd\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/about\/)\n- [Specialist Doctors](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/)\n  - [Bones](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/bones\/)\n    - [Hand Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/hand-surgery\/)\n    - [Orthopaedic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/orthopaedic-surgery\/)\n    - [Sports Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/sports-medicine\/)\n  - [Brain & Nerves](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/brain-and-nerves\/)\n    - [Neurology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/neurology\/)\n    - [Neurosurgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/neurosurgery\/)\n  - [Cancer](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cancer\/)\n    - [Medical Oncology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/medical-oncology\/)\n    - [Radiation Oncology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/radiation-oncology\/)\n  - [Children](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/children\/)\n    - [Paediatric Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/paediatric-medicine\/)\n    - [Paediatric Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/paediatric-surgery\/)\n  - [Ear, Nose & Throat](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/ear-nose-and-throat\/)\n    - [Ear, Nose & Throat](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/ear-nose-and-throat\/)\n  - [Eyes](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/eyes\/)\n    - [Eyes](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/eyes\/)\n  - [General Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/general-surgery\/)\n    - [Abdominal](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/abdominal\/)\n    - [Colon & Intestines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/colon-and-intestines\/)\n    - [Liver & Gallbladder](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/liver\/)\n    - [Stomach](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/stomach\/)\n  - [Heart & Vascular](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/heart-and-vascular\/)\n    - [Cardiology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiology\/)\n    - [Cardiothoracic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiothoracic-surgery\/)\n  - [Hormone Disorders](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/hormone-disorders\/)\n    - [Endocrinology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/endocrinology\/)\n  - [Kidney](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/kidney\/)\n    - [Renal Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/renal-medicine\/)\n    - [Urology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urology\/)\n  - [Infectious Diseases](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/infectious-diseases\/)\n    - [COVID-19](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/covid19\/)\n    - [Vaccines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/vaccines\/)\n  - [Lungs](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/lungs\/)\n    - [Cardiothoracic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/cardiothoracic-surgery\/)\n    - [Respiratory Medicine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/respiratory-medicine\/)\n  - [Body Pain](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/body-pain\/)\n    - [Anaesthesiology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/anesthesiology\/)\n    - [Pain](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/pain\/)\n  - [Skin](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/older-adults-and-seniors\/)\n    - [Dermatology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/dermatology\/)\n    - [Plastic Surgery](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/plastic-surgery\/)\n  - [Stomach & Digestive System](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/stomach-and-digestive-system\/)\n    - [Gastroenterology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/gastroenterology\/)\n  - [Urinary & Male Reproductive System](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urinary-and-male-reproductive-system\/)\n    - [Urology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/urology\/)\n  - [Women](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/women\/)\n    - [Obstetrics & Gynaecology](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/obstetrics-gynaecology\/)\n- [Health Tips](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/)\n  - [Asia MD e-Magazine](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/asia-md-e-magazine\/)\n  - [Lifestyle](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/lifestyle\/)\n  - [Myth or Fact](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/myth-or-fact\/)\n  - [Patient Safety](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/patient-safety\/)\n- [Wellness](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/medical-wellness\/)\n- [Innovations](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/innovations\/)\n  - [Products](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/innovations\/innovations-product\/)\n  - [Services](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/innovations\/innovations-services\/)\n- [News & Events](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/)\n  - [News](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/news\/)\n  - [Events](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/news-events\/events\/)\n- [English](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/12\/all-you-need-to-know-about-covid-19-vaccines-in-singapore\/)\n\n[Subscribe Now](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/subscribe-for-more\/)\n#### All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccines in Singapore\n\n![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich-5863316-scaled-1.jpg)\n\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Screen-Shot-2022-04-05-at-2.07.45-PM.png) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Screen-Shot-2022-04-05-at-2.07.45-PM.png)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/04\/26\/treatments-for-prostatitis-what-and-why-2\/ \"Treatments for prostatitis – what and why\")\n  [Treatments for prostatitis – what and why](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/04\/26\/treatments-for-prostatitis-what-and-why-2\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/woman-smoking.jpg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/woman-smoking.jpg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/02\/14\/innovations-in-smoking-cessation\/ \"Innovations in smoking cessation\")\n  [Innovations in smoking cessation](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/02\/14\/innovations-in-smoking-cessation\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/enlargedpros.jpeg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/enlargedpros.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/11\/15\/tips-on-coping-with-an-enlarged-prostate\/ \"Tips on coping with an enlarged prostate\")\n  [Tips on coping with an enlarged prostate](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/11\/15\/tips-on-coping-with-an-enlarged-prostate\/)\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/returning-to-office-scaled-1.jpeg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/returning-to-office-scaled-1.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/17\/safe-covid-19-practices-when-returning-to-work-in-shared-offices\/ \"Safe Covid-19 practices when returning to work in shared offices\")\n  [Safe Covid-19 practices when returning to work in shared offices](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/17\/safe-covid-19-practices-when-returning-to-work-in-shared-offices\/)\n\n[Infectious Diseases](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/category\/infectious-diseases\/)\n\n# All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccines in Singapore\nSingapore has purchased Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sinovac. How do these vaccines compare, and are they for you?\n\n![Avatar photo](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/rachelchan-1-45x45.jpg)\n\nBy\n\n[Rachel Chan](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/rachel-chan\/ \"Posts by Rachel Chan\")\n\nPublished on\n\nJanuary 12, 2021\n\n🔊 Listen to this\n\nSingapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the [Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/25\/safety-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\/) for use in the [national vaccination programme here](https:\/\/vaccine.gov.sg\/). On October 23, 2021, the [Sinovac vaccine was added to the programme](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/sinovac-coronavac-included-in-the-national-vaccination-programme) as well. On June 1, 2021, the [World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/01-06-2021-who-validates-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-and-issues-interim-policy-recommendations). The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the [Special Access Route (SAR)](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/sinovac-approved-under-special-access-route-moh) but be excluded from the [Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination\/vifap). On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with [supplies possibly arriving before the end of the year](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/spore-may-get-non-mrna-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-before-year-end). On July 30, it was reported that the [Health Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/11-private-hospitals-and-clinics-get-the-green-light-to-import-sinopharm-vaccine) to import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the [Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/first-batch-of-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccines-available-from-aug-30) from the next day (August 30). It will cost about \\$100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done [at this website.](https:\/\/www.parkwayshenton.com\/covid-19\/make-appointment-for-covid19-vaccine) Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of \\$10 to \\$25 for each dose, [at these 24 clinics licensed by MOH](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-24-clinics-selected-administer-sinovac-vaccine-moh-15027526).\n\n> [***Follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https:\/\/bit.ly\/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN***](https:\/\/bit.ly\/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN)\n\nOther approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works.\n\n### **Timeline of events**\n**Dec 14, 2020:** PM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from [Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) have been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population.\n\n**Dec 21, 2020:** First shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive.\n\n**Dec 30, 2020:** [Healthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).](https:\/\/www.todayonline.com\/singapore\/pm-lee-receives-covid-19-vaccine-says-its-painless-effective-and-important)\n\n**Jan 7, 2021:** [MOH says that it has started sending out SMSes](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19) to invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination.\n\n**Jan 8, 2021:** PM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital.\n\n**Jan 29, 2021:** PM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose.\n\n**Feb 2021:** Vaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19.\n\n**March 24:** Those between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated.\n\n**May 19:** MOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination.\n\n**Jun 1:** Students sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination.\n\n**June 2:** MOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers.\n\n**June 16:** Sinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide.\n\n**At end-Oct:** [About 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose.](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/multimedia\/graphics\/2021\/06\/singapore-covid-vaccination-tracker\/index.html)\n\n## **Who are eligible for mRNA vaccination?**\n**NOT eligible:**\n\n- Those with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines\n- Those with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count \\< 200\n- Those who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000\n- Children under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old.\n\n**Eligible:**\n\n- Everyone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on.\n\n![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/doLa8I6YQ-fbUolo1-sYitmDRrbnbdfUiadUyHIAaqcjtiPLV0el9gFCVR7fKWFco8hqWi7osQ-NSmYibExlLvcfqKOrsvq7A2zRbuBqTWiDAzo67G3Y75_GrAJnK4LiD.jpg)Source: [Ministry of Health](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination)\n\n## **Is the vaccine compulsory?**\nThe Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a [televised interview with Channel NewsAsia](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added.\n\n## **Can those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore?**\nTill date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms.\n\n## **How the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell**\nCovid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his [Jan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that the these three vaccines were selected out of a [total of 35](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines) before clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The [Therapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel)](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines), comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A\\*STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment.\n\n#### [**Pfizer-BioNTech**](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/Pfizer-BioNTech.html)\n**Name of vaccine:** **BNT162b2**\n\n**Origin:** Germany and the United States\n\n**Type:** mRNA\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2 shots, 21 days apart\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 16 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2034577?articleTools=true)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/144414\/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\n\n**Storage temperature:** -75 degrees Celsius\n\n####\n#### [**Moderna**](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/Moderna.html)\n**Name of vaccine:** **mRNA-1273**\n\n**Origin:** US\n\n**Type:** mRNA\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2 shots, 28 days apart\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2035389)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/144638\/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\n\n**Storage temperature:** -20 degrees Celsius up to six months\n\n####\n#### **Sinovac**\n**Name of vaccine:** **CoronaVac**\n\n**Origin:** Beijing, China\n\n**Type:** Inactivated vaccine (see below)\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** Phase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click [here](https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/covid-vaccinations) for updates.\n\n**Adverse effects:** Minor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed)\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n#### **Sinopharm**\n**Name of vaccine:** **BBIBP-CorV**\n\n**Origin:** Beijing, China\n\n**Type:** Inactivated vaccine (see below)\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [A large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79%](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/the-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Fever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue.\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n#### **Novavax**\n**Name of vaccine:** **NVX-CoV2373**\n\n**Origin:** United States\n\n**Type:** Protein-based vaccine\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** TBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above.\n\n**How effective:**[Phase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2107659)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n*![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ah1HeHueH5ZlnxxY1NHgnvIGG6e6Uit_z0_Jo97h7k00vODHW94Us3znqe9MGzclgxDnj7mimRgRVgpJnUGZAqx9OE1lqxk2jPmv8FfJduR0AQmQAHdpApJ4UsAlNHEk.jpg)BBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source:* [*BBC News*](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-55212787)\n\n## **How do the vaccines work?**\n*Video source: World Health Organization* Vaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with [“memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/how-they-work.html) that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology.\n\n###\n#### **mRNA vaccines**\nmRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future.\n\n#### **Inactivated vaccine technology**\nInactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future.\n\n#### **Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology**\n[Novavax](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/novavax-vaccine-moths-spike-protein-covid-19-non-mrna-15088434) contains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine.\n\n##### **Links to more information on Covid-19 vaccines:**\n[Gov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines.html)  [World Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/covid-19-vaccines) [The different types of COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained) [Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection) [World Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/media-resources\/science-in-5\/episode-20---covid-19---variants-vaccines) [BBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines?](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-55212787) [National Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/science\/health-and-human-body\/human-diseases\/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-they-work-latest-developments-cvd\/)\n\n[Ministry of Health – FAQs on booster doses](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination\/faqs---booster-doses)\n\nFeatured image by [**Nataliya Vaitkevich**](https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@n-voitkevich?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) from [**Pexels**](https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/two-covid-vials-on-pink-surface-5863316\/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)\n\nContinue Reading\n\nYou may also like...\n\n- 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[effective](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/effective\/), [how it works](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/how-it-works\/), [moderna](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/moderna\/), [novavax](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/novavax\/), [pfizer-biontech](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/pfizer-biontech\/), [safety](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/safety\/), [singapore](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/singapore\/), [sinovac](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/sinovac\/), [when is it my turn](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/when-is-it-my-turn\/), [作用原理](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E4%BD%9C%E7%94%A8%E5%8E%9F%E7%90%86\/), [安全性](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E5%AE%89%E5%85%A8%E6%80%A7\/), [新冠疫苗](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E6%96%B0%E5%86%A0%E7%96%AB%E8%8B%97\/), [有效性](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E6%9C%89%E6%95%88%E6%80%A7\/), [莫德纳](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E8%8E%AB%E5%BE%B7%E7%BA%B3\/), [诺瓦瓦克斯](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E8%AF%BA%E7%93%A6%E7%93%A6%E5%85%8B%E6%96%AF\/), [辉瑞\/拜恩泰科](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/tag\/%E8%BE%89%E7%91%9E-%E6%8B%9C%E6%81%A9%E6%B3%B0%E7%A7%91\/)\n\n![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/asiamd-logo-r.png)\n\n#### More in Infectious Diseases\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/returning-to-office-scaled-1.jpeg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/returning-to-office-scaled-1.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/17\/safe-covid-19-practices-when-returning-to-work-in-shared-offices\/)\n  \n  ### COVID-19\n  [Safe Covid-19 practices when returning to work in shared offices](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/17\/safe-covid-19-practices-when-returning-to-work-in-shared-offices\/)\n  \n  By [Rachel Chan](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/rachel-chan\/ \"Posts by Rachel Chan\")\n  \n  August 17, 2021\n  \n  Having a Covid-19 workplace health and safety plan in place can help to stop the spread...\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Asia-MD_Fake-Medical-News-3.jpg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Asia-MD_Fake-Medical-News-3.jpg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-to-tell-apart-fake-news-from-real-news2\/)\n  \n  ### Infectious Diseases\n  [How to tell apart fake news from real news](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-to-tell-apart-fake-news-from-real-news2\/)\n  \n  By [Daniel Chen](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/daniel\/ \"Posts by Daniel Chen\")\n  \n  August 3, 2021\n  \n  It is unlikely that disinformation would cease to exist one day. The New York Times reports...\n- [![Dangers of unverified medical news](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Asia-MD_Fake-Medical-News-2.jpg) ![Dangers of unverified medical news](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Asia-MD_Fake-Medical-News-2.jpg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/the-dangers-of-unverified-medical-news2\/)\n  \n  ### Infectious Diseases\n  [What are the dangers of unverified medical news?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/the-dangers-of-unverified-medical-news2\/)\n  \n  By [Daniel Chen](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/daniel\/ \"Posts by Daniel Chen\")\n  \n  August 3, 2021\n  \n  The spread of disinformation has occurred throughout the entire past 18 months Singapore has been trying...\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/fake-news-scaled-1.jpeg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/fake-news-scaled-1.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-harmful-is-fake-medical-news-2\/)\n  \n  ### Infectious Diseases\n  [How harmful is fake medical news?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-harmful-is-fake-medical-news-2\/)\n  \n  By [Daniel Chen](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/daniel\/ \"Posts by Daniel Chen\")\n  \n  August 3, 2021\n  \n  Making decisions based on fake medical news can harm your health. Recognise falsehoods with pro tips...\n- [![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/fake-news-scaled-1.jpeg) ![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/fake-news-scaled-1.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-harmful-is-fake-medical-news\/)\n  \n  ### Infectious Diseases\n  [How harmful is fake medical news?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/08\/03\/how-harmful-is-fake-medical-news\/)\n  \n  By [Rachel Chan](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/author\/rachel-chan\/ \"Posts by Rachel Chan\")\n  \n  August 3, 2021\n  \n  Making decisions based on fake medical news can harm your health. Recognise falsehoods with pro tips...\n\n[How S’pore scientists use nanotechnology in Covid-19 detection](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2020\/12\/26\/the-use-of-nanotechnology-in-accurate-and-quick-diagnosis-of-coronavirus\/)\n\n[How do I know that I have COVID-19 and not a cold or the flu?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/24\/how-do-i-know-that-i-have-covid-19-and-not-a-cold-or-the-flu\/)\n\n#### Advertisement\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/8-July-2026_300x250.png)](https:\/\/events.zoom.us\/ev\/Ap-eW-29zlQdEnolUcUxRhWLpAXfwODMJWl0LK4QVVyX5p-7dlvj~AqDv-EVqr7AUcVXqBUCIqBn6uB50DSDHpJt9VgYv8iujWEq7eBMTE6SDRw)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/300X250-y-duoc.jpg)](https:\/\/medipharmexpo.com\/en\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AHW300x250-1.png)](https:\/\/www.iqpc.com\/events-asiahealthcareweek?utm_source=47974.003%20-%20MP%20-%20AsiaMD%20-%20Web%20Banners&utm_medium=Media%20Partner&utm_campaign=47974.003%20-%20MP%20-%20AsiaMD%20-%20Web%20Banners&utm_term=&utm_content=&disc=&extTreatId=7632126)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/6-August-2026_300x250.png)](https:\/\/events.zoom.us\/ev\/AvDObHbUM4x4Vd-v2cW9RP5c7Rw18iII3xbyRCDKKu2QoEAeNCME~AmcASxRJ9GLadGPO1pc_Xt8-J84catccsJx_AuGF434Ppt6jvBD_jJ85pg)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/SHA-2026-AsiaMD-Banner-300x250px.png)](https:\/\/smarthealthasia.com\/registrations\/?utm_source=Social-Media&utm_medium=Media+Partners&utm_campaign=AsiaMD)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/13-May-2026_300x250.png)](https:\/\/events.zoom.us\/ev\/Ao9YXCDh8bfT5plE1WRuHua1Mxp3aqtvu50vlbQTOfuZV0WjfqJl~Au1zDwPUdX0B0MgkBy-aCaNG78Z5cNHYXl4Gm-V478YfNiiay7lc62Q0Fg)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/VR-300x250-1.jpg)](https:\/\/virecexpo.com.vn\/en\/)\n\n#### Trending\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Screen-Shot-2022-04-20-at-12.58.25-AM.png)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/05\/03\/what-are-the-causes-of-and-treatments-for-deformed-fingers\/)\n\n### Hand Surgery\n[What are the causes of and treatments for deformed fingers?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2022\/05\/03\/what-are-the-causes-of-and-treatments-for-deformed-fingers\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/raw-food.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/26\/is-it-safe-to-eat-raw-foods-during-pregnancy\/)\n\n### Obstetrics & Gynaecology\n[Is it safe to eat raw foods during pregnancy?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/26\/is-it-safe-to-eat-raw-foods-during-pregnancy\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/shingles.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/05\/06\/how-do-shingles-develop-and-is-it-because-of-heatiness\/)\n\n### Anaesthesiology\n[How do shingles develop and is it because of “heatiness”?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/05\/06\/how-do-shingles-develop-and-is-it-because-of-heatiness\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/allergies-scaled-1.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/05\/27\/whats-the-best-way-to-treat-rhinitis-allergies-and-sinus-infections\/)\n\n### Ear, Nose & Throat\n[What’s the best way to treat rhinitis, allergies and sinus infections?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/05\/27\/whats-the-best-way-to-treat-rhinitis-allergies-and-sinus-infections\/)\n\n[![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/coconutjuice.jpeg)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/06\/17\/are-there-benefits-to-drinking-coconut-juice-during-pregnancy\/)\n\n### Obstetrics & Gynaecology\n[Are there benefits to drinking coconut juice during pregnancy?](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/06\/17\/are-there-benefits-to-drinking-coconut-juice-during-pregnancy\/)\n\nAdvertisement\n## Advertisement\n\n[![Creative Commons License](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/license.png)](http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/)   \nThis work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License](http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0\/).\n\n- [Asia MD’s Medical Writers & Reviewers Listing](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/asia-mds-medical-writers-reviewers-listing\/)\n- [Terms and Conditions](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/terms-and-conditions\/)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/privacy-policy-2\/)\n\nCopyright © 2020-2026 Asia MD Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Contact us at [admin@asiamd.com](mailto:admin@asiamd.com)\n\nFor Marketing & Sales [marketing@asiamd.com](mailto:marketing@asiamd.com)For PR [health@asiamd.com](mailto:health@asiamd.com)\n\nTo Top\n\nHealth Poll\n\n×\n\n×\n\nHealth Poll 2026\n\n[FIND A DOCTOR ![Doctor Icon](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/doctor-icon.png)](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/find-a-doctor\/)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the [Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/2021\/01\/25\/safety-mrna-covid-19-vaccines\/) for use in the [national vaccination programme here](https:\/\/vaccine.gov.sg\/). On October 23, 2021, the [Sinovac vaccine was added to the programme](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/sinovac-coronavac-included-in-the-national-vaccination-programme) as well. On June 1, 2021, the [World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news\/item\/01-06-2021-who-validates-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-and-issues-interim-policy-recommendations). The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the [Special Access Route (SAR)](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/sinovac-approved-under-special-access-route-moh) but be excluded from the [Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination\/vifap). On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with [supplies possibly arriving before the end of the year](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/spore-may-get-non-mrna-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-before-year-end). On July 30, it was reported that the [Health Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/11-private-hospitals-and-clinics-get-the-green-light-to-import-sinopharm-vaccine) to import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the [Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/health\/first-batch-of-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccines-available-from-aug-30) from the next day (August 30). It will cost about \\$100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done [at this website.](https:\/\/www.parkwayshenton.com\/covid-19\/make-appointment-for-covid19-vaccine) Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of \\$10 to \\$25 for each dose, [at these 24 clinics licensed by MOH](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-24-clinics-selected-administer-sinovac-vaccine-moh-15027526).\n\n> [***Follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https:\/\/bit.ly\/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN***](https:\/\/bit.ly\/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN)\n\nOther approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works.\n\n### **Timeline of events**\n**Dec 14, 2020:** PM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from [Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) have been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population.\n\n**Dec 21, 2020:** First shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive.\n\n**Dec 30, 2020:** [Healthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).](https:\/\/www.todayonline.com\/singapore\/pm-lee-receives-covid-19-vaccine-says-its-painless-effective-and-important)\n\n**Jan 7, 2021:** [MOH says that it has started sending out SMSes](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19) to invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination.\n\n**Jan 8, 2021:** PM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital.\n\n**Jan 29, 2021:** PM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose.\n\n**Feb 2021:** Vaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19.\n\n**March 24:** Those between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated.\n\n**May 19:** MOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination.\n\n**Jun 1:** Students sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination.\n\n**June 2:** MOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers.\n\n**June 16:** Sinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide.\n\n**At end-Oct:** [About 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose.](https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/multimedia\/graphics\/2021\/06\/singapore-covid-vaccination-tracker\/index.html)\n\n## **Who are eligible for mRNA vaccination?**\n**NOT eligible:**\n\n- Those with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines\n- Those with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count \\< 200\n- Those who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000\n- Children under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old.\n\n**Eligible:**\n\n- Everyone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on.\n\n![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/doLa8I6YQ-fbUolo1-sYitmDRrbnbdfUiadUyHIAaqcjtiPLV0el9gFCVR7fKWFco8hqWi7osQ-NSmYibExlLvcfqKOrsvq7A2zRbuBqTWiDAzo67G3Y75_GrAJnK4LiD.jpg)Source: [Ministry of Health](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination)\n\n## **Is the vaccine compulsory?**\nThe Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a [televised interview with Channel NewsAsia](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added.\n\n## **Can those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore?**\nTill date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms.\n\n## **How the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell**\nCovid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his [Jan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that the these three vaccines were selected out of a [total of 35](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines) before clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The [Therapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel)](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines), comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A\\*STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment.\n\n#### [**Pfizer-BioNTech**](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/Pfizer-BioNTech.html)\n**Name of vaccine:** **BNT162b2**\n\n**Origin:** Germany and the United States\n\n**Type:** mRNA\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2 shots, 21 days apart\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 16 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2034577?articleTools=true)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/144414\/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\n\n**Storage temperature:** -75 degrees Celsius\n\n#### [**Moderna**](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/Moderna.html)\n**Name of vaccine:** **mRNA-1273**\n\n**Origin:** US\n\n**Type:** mRNA\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2 shots, 28 days apart\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/pdf\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2035389)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/media\/144638\/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions.\n\n**Storage temperature:** -20 degrees Celsius up to six months\n\n#### **Sinovac**\n**Name of vaccine:** **CoronaVac**\n\n**Origin:** Beijing, China\n\n**Type:** Inactivated vaccine (see below)\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** Phase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click [here](https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/covid-vaccinations) for updates.\n\n**Adverse effects:** Minor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed)\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n#### **Sinopharm**\n**Name of vaccine:** **BBIBP-CorV**\n\n**Origin:** Beijing, China\n\n**Type:** Inactivated vaccine (see below)\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** People aged 18 years and older\n\n**How effective:** [A large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79%](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/the-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Fever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue.\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n#### **Novavax**\n**Name of vaccine:** **NVX-CoV2373**\n\n**Origin:** United States\n\n**Type:** Protein-based vaccine\n\n**Number of doses required:** 2\n\n**Recommended for:** TBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above.\n\n**How effective:**[Phase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy](https:\/\/www.nejm.org\/doi\/full\/10.1056\/NEJMoa2107659)\n\n**Adverse effects:** Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain.\n\n**Storage temperature:** 2-8 degrees Celsius\n\n*![](https:\/\/asiamd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/ah1HeHueH5ZlnxxY1NHgnvIGG6e6Uit_z0_Jo97h7k00vODHW94Us3znqe9MGzclgxDnj7mimRgRVgpJnUGZAqx9OE1lqxk2jPmv8FfJduR0AQmQAHdpApJ4UsAlNHEk.jpg)BBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source:* [*BBC News*](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-55212787)\n\n## **How do the vaccines work?**\n*Video source: World Health Organization* Vaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with [“memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells)](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines\/how-they-work.html) that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology.\n\n#### **mRNA vaccines**\nmRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future.\n\n#### **Inactivated vaccine technology**\nInactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future.\n\n#### **Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology**\n[Novavax](https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/news\/singapore\/novavax-vaccine-moths-spike-protein-covid-19-non-mrna-15088434) contains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine.\n\n##### **Links to more information on Covid-19 vaccines:**\n[Gov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.gov.sg\/article\/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/vaccines\/different-vaccines.html)  [World Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/covid-19-vaccines) [The different types of COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained) [Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection](https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/feature-stories\/detail\/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection) [World Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines](https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/media-resources\/science-in-5\/episode-20---covid-19---variants-vaccines) [BBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines?](https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-asia-china-55212787) [National Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines](https:\/\/www.nationalgeographic.com\/science\/health-and-human-body\/human-diseases\/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-they-work-latest-developments-cvd\/)\n\n[Ministry of Health – FAQs on booster doses](https:\/\/www.moh.gov.sg\/covid-19\/vaccination\/faqs---booster-doses)\n\nFeatured image by [**Nataliya Vaitkevich**](https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@n-voitkevich?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) from [**Pexels**](https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/two-covid-vials-on-pink-surface-5863316\/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"","ml_types_json":"","ml_intent_types_json":"","meta_language":"en-us","attrs_author":"Rachel Chan","attrs_publish_time":1610466910,"attrs_original_publish_time":1610466910,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"2365","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"1647","body_ext_links_number":67,"body_int_links_number":102,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":0,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":2753,"download_ttfb_msec":2415,"download_size":44085}

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Meta Title	All you need to know about Covid-19 vaccines in Singapore - Asiamd
Meta Description	Singapore has purchased Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sinovac. How do these vaccines compare, and are they for you?
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Boilerpipe Text	Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for use in the national vaccination programme here . On October 23, 2021, the Sinovac vaccine was added to the programme as well. On June 1, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use . The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR) but be excluded from the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme . On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with supplies possibly arriving before the end of the year . On July 30, it was reported that the Health Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics to import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics from the next day (August 30). It will cost about $100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done at this website. Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of $10 to $25 for each dose, at these 24 clinics licensed by MOH . Follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https://bit.ly/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN Other approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works. Timeline of events Dec 14, 2020: PM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac have been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population. Dec 21, 2020: First shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive. Dec 30, 2020: Healthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Jan 7, 2021: MOH says that it has started sending out SMSes to invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination. Jan 8, 2021: PM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital. Jan 29, 2021: PM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose. Feb 2021: Vaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19. March 24: Those between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated. May 19: MOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination. Jun 1: Students sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination. June 2: MOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers. June 16: Sinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide. At end-Oct: About 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose. Who are eligible for mRNA vaccination? NOT eligible: Those with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines Those with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count < 200 Those who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000 Children under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old. Eligible: Everyone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on. Source: Ministry of Health Is the vaccine compulsory? The Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a televised interview with Channel NewsAsia that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added. Can those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore? Till date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms. How the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell Covid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his Jan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview that the these three vaccines were selected out of a total of 35 before clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The Therapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel) , comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A*STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment. Pfizer-BioNTech Name of vaccine: BNT162b2 Origin: Germany and the United States Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 21 days apart Recommended for: People aged 16 years and older How effective: Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the full list of ingredients to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -75 degrees Celsius Moderna Name of vaccine: mRNA-1273 Origin: US Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 28 days apart Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the full list of ingredients to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -20 degrees Celsius up to six months Sinovac Name of vaccine: CoronaVac Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: Phase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click here for updates. Adverse effects: Minor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed) Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius Sinopharm Name of vaccine: BBIBP-CorV Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: A large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79% Adverse effects: Fever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius Novavax Name of vaccine: NVX-CoV2373 Origin: United States Type: Protein-based vaccine Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: TBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above. How effective: Phase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy Adverse effects: Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius BBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source: BBC News How do the vaccines work? Video source: World Health Organization Vaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with “memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells) that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology. mRNA vaccines mRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future. Inactivated vaccine technology Inactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology Novavax contains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine. Links to more information on Covid-19 vaccines: Gov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines World Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines The different types of COVID-19 vaccines Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection World Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines BBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines? National Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines Ministry of Health – FAQs on booster doses Featured image by Nataliya Vaitkevich from Pexels
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[![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-05-at-2.07.45-PM.png) ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-05-at-2.07.45-PM.png)](https://asiamd.com/2022/04/26/treatments-for-prostatitis-what-and-why-2/ "Treatments for prostatitis – what and why") [Treatments for prostatitis – what and why](https://asiamd.com/2022/04/26/treatments-for-prostatitis-what-and-why-2/) - [![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/woman-smoking.jpg) ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/woman-smoking.jpg)](https://asiamd.com/2022/02/14/innovations-in-smoking-cessation/ "Innovations in smoking cessation") [Innovations in smoking cessation](https://asiamd.com/2022/02/14/innovations-in-smoking-cessation/) - [![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlargedpros.jpeg) ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/enlargedpros.jpeg)](https://asiamd.com/2021/11/15/tips-on-coping-with-an-enlarged-prostate/ "Tips on coping with an enlarged prostate") [Tips on coping with an enlarged prostate](https://asiamd.com/2021/11/15/tips-on-coping-with-an-enlarged-prostate/) - 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How do these vaccines compare, and are they for you? ![Avatar photo](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/rachelchan-1-45x45.jpg) By [Rachel Chan](https://asiamd.com/author/rachel-chan/ "Posts by Rachel Chan") Published on January 12, 2021 🔊 Listen to this Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the [Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines](https://asiamd.com/2021/01/25/safety-mrna-covid-19-vaccines/) for use in the [national vaccination programme here](https://vaccine.gov.sg/). On October 23, 2021, the [Sinovac vaccine was added to the programme](https://www.gov.sg/article/sinovac-coronavac-included-in-the-national-vaccination-programme) as well. On June 1, 2021, the [World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use](https://www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2021-who-validates-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-and-issues-interim-policy-recommendations). The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the [Special Access Route (SAR)](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sinovac-approved-under-special-access-route-moh) but be excluded from the [Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/vifap). On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with [supplies possibly arriving before the end of the year](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-may-get-non-mrna-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-before-year-end). On July 30, it was reported that the [Health Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/11-private-hospitals-and-clinics-get-the-green-light-to-import-sinopharm-vaccine) to import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the [Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/first-batch-of-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccines-available-from-aug-30) from the next day (August 30). It will cost about \$100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done [at this website.](https://www.parkwayshenton.com/covid-19/make-appointment-for-covid19-vaccine) Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of \$10 to \$25 for each dose, [at these 24 clinics licensed by MOH](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-24-clinics-selected-administer-sinovac-vaccine-moh-15027526). > [*Follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https://bit.ly/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN](https://bit.ly/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN) Other approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works. ### Timeline of events* Dec 14, 2020: PM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from [Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac](https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) have been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population. Dec 21, 2020: First shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive. Dec 30, 2020: [Healthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).](https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-lee-receives-covid-19-vaccine-says-its-painless-effective-and-important) Jan 7, 2021: [MOH says that it has started sending out SMSes](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19) to invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination. Jan 8, 2021: PM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital. Jan 29, 2021: PM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose. Feb 2021: Vaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19. March 24: Those between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated. May 19: MOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination. Jun 1: Students sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination. June 2: MOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers. June 16: Sinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide. At end-Oct: [About 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose.](https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2021/06/singapore-covid-vaccination-tracker/index.html) ## Who are eligible for mRNA vaccination? NOT eligible: - Those with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines - Those with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count \< 200 - Those who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000 - Children under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old. Eligible: - Everyone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on. ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/doLa8I6YQ-fbUolo1-sYitmDRrbnbdfUiadUyHIAaqcjtiPLV0el9gFCVR7fKWFco8hqWi7osQ-NSmYibExlLvcfqKOrsvq7A2zRbuBqTWiDAzo67G3Y75_GrAJnK4LiD.jpg)Source: [Ministry of Health](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination) ## Is the vaccine compulsory? The Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a [televised interview with Channel NewsAsia](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added. ## Can those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore? Till date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms. ## How the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell Covid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his [Jan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that the these three vaccines were selected out of a [total of 35](https://www.gov.sg/article/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines) before clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The [Therapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel)](https://www.gov.sg/article/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines), comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A\STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment. #### [Pfizer-BioNTech](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html) Name of vaccine:* BNT162b2 Origin: Germany and the United States Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 21 days apart Recommended for: People aged 16 years and older How effective: [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2034577?articleTools=true) Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -75 degrees Celsius #### #### [Moderna](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html) Name of vaccine: mRNA-1273 Origin: US Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 28 days apart Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2035389) Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -20 degrees Celsius up to six months #### #### Sinovac Name of vaccine: CoronaVac Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: Phase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click [here](https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations) for updates. Adverse effects: Minor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed) Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius #### Sinopharm Name of vaccine: BBIBP-CorV Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: [A large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79%](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know) Adverse effects: Fever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius #### Novavax Name of vaccine: NVX-CoV2373 Origin: United States Type: Protein-based vaccine Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: TBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above. How effective:[Phase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107659) Adverse effects: Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ah1HeHueH5ZlnxxY1NHgnvIGG6e6Uit_z0_Jo97h7k00vODHW94Us3znqe9MGzclgxDnj7mimRgRVgpJnUGZAqx9OE1lqxk2jPmv8FfJduR0AQmQAHdpApJ4UsAlNHEk.jpg)BBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source: [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55212787) ## How do the vaccines work? Video source: World Health Organization Vaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with [“memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html) that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology. ### #### mRNA vaccines mRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future. #### Inactivated vaccine technology Inactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future. #### Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology [Novavax](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/novavax-vaccine-moths-spike-protein-covid-19-non-mrna-15088434) contains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine. ##### Links to more information on Covid-19 vaccines: [Gov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine](https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html) [World Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines) [The different types of COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained) [Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection) [World Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-20---covid-19---variants-vaccines) [BBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55212787) [National Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-they-work-latest-developments-cvd/) [Ministry of Health – FAQs on booster doses](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/faqs---booster-doses) Featured image by [Nataliya Vaitkevich](https://www.pexels.com/@n-voitkevich?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-covid-vials-on-pink-surface-5863316/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) Continue Reading You may also like... - 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Readable Markdown	Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has authorised the [Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines](https://asiamd.com/2021/01/25/safety-mrna-covid-19-vaccines/) for use in the [national vaccination programme here](https://vaccine.gov.sg/). On October 23, 2021, the [Sinovac vaccine was added to the programme](https://www.gov.sg/article/sinovac-coronavac-included-in-the-national-vaccination-programme) as well. On June 1, 2021, the [World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of Sinovac Biotech’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency-use](https://www.who.int/news/item/01-06-2021-who-validates-sinovac-covid-19-vaccine-for-emergency-use-and-issues-interim-policy-recommendations). The Sinovac vaccine will be allowed under the [Special Access Route (SAR)](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sinovac-approved-under-special-access-route-moh) but be excluded from the [Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/vifap). On June 25, 2021, it was reported that Singapore will be getting the Novavax vaccine as well, with [supplies possibly arriving before the end of the year](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-may-get-non-mrna-novavax-covid-19-vaccine-before-year-end). On July 30, it was reported that the [Health Sciences Authority has approved 11 applications for private hospitals and clinics](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/11-private-hospitals-and-clinics-get-the-green-light-to-import-sinopharm-vaccine) to import China’s Sinopharm vaccine under SAR. The plan is the administer the first jabs in August. On August 29, it was reported that the first batch of the [Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine will be available at some hospitals and clinics](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/first-batch-of-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccines-available-from-aug-30) from the next day (August 30). It will cost about \$100 for both doses. Bookings for this vaccine can be done [at this website.](https://www.parkwayshenton.com/covid-19/make-appointment-for-covid19-vaccine) Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term visit pass holders who were unable to get the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines due to allergies and want to take the Sinovac vaccine will be able to get it for an administration fee of \$10 to \$25 for each dose, [at these 24 clinics licensed by MOH](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-24-clinics-selected-administer-sinovac-vaccine-moh-15027526). > [*Follow us on WhatsApp for the latest updates: https://bit.ly/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN](https://bit.ly/AsiaMDWhatsAppEN) Other approved vaccines in WHO’s emergency use list, such as those by Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and Sinopharm, will eventually also be allowed under the same route. However, details on how private healthcare providers can apply to MOH are still in the works. ### Timeline of events* Dec 14, 2020: PM Lee said that there would be enough Covid-19 vaccines for everyone in Singapore. Vaccines from [Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinovac](https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) have been purchased in advance to ensure enough options for the entire 5.7 million Singapore population. Dec 21, 2020: First shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines arrive. Dec 30, 2020: [Healthcare workers start receiving vaccinations at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).](https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/pm-lee-receives-covid-19-vaccine-says-its-painless-effective-and-important) Jan 7, 2021: [MOH says that it has started sending out SMSes](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19) to invite those who are eligible to register for their vaccination. Jan 8, 2021: PM Lee and director of medical services Kenneth Mak receive their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine at the Singapore General Hospital. Jan 29, 2021: PM Lee to receive second dose of vaccine. He will have maximum protection against the virus 14 days after he receives the second dose. Feb 2021: Vaccinations will start for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as those at greater risk of severe Covid-19. March 24: Those between 45 and 59 are invited to register their interest in getting vaccinated. May 19: MOH invites those aged 40 to 45 to register for their vaccination. Jun 1: Students sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students, can start registering for their vaccination. June 2: MOH announced that Sinovac’s Covid-19 vaccine will be allowed under the Special Access Route (SAR), via private healthcare providers. June 16: Sinovac vaccines available at 24 clinics islandwide. At end-Oct: [About 84 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated and 85 per cent has received at least one dose.](https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2021/06/singapore-covid-vaccination-tracker/index.html) ## Who are eligible for mRNA vaccination? NOT eligible: - Those with history of anaphylaxis or allergic reactions to other vaccines - Those with severely weakened immune systems, such as patients who have recently undergone organ transplant, or HIV patients with CD4 count \< 200 - Those who have a very low platelet count of less than 50,000 - Children under the age of 12 years for Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and children under the age of 18 years for Moderna Covid-19 vaccine. On May 18, the Singapore government announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been authorised by the HSA to be used for children aged 12 to 15 years old. Eligible: - Everyone else, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, G6PD, hypertension, high cholesterol and so on. ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/doLa8I6YQ-fbUolo1-sYitmDRrbnbdfUiadUyHIAaqcjtiPLV0el9gFCVR7fKWFco8hqWi7osQ-NSmYibExlLvcfqKOrsvq7A2zRbuBqTWiDAzo67G3Y75_GrAJnK4LiD.jpg)Source: [Ministry of Health](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination) ## Is the vaccine compulsory? The Covid-19 vaccination is completely voluntary. However, Mr Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force and was still holding the portfolio of Education Minister on Jan 7, 2021, said in a [televised interview with Channel NewsAsia](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that Singapore residents who do not want to receive the Covid-19 vaccine may require “more frequent testing”. Those who choose to be vaccinated could enjoy “tangible benefits” such as not needing to serve a SHN (stay-home notice) or will serve a shorter SHN after travelling, he added. ## Can those who have received the vaccination gather in large groups without wearing masks in Singapore? Till date, MOH has yet to issue such a guideline. A dormitory worker who had received the complete dosage of a Covid-19 vaccine was reported to have tested positive for the virus on April 22, 2021. He displayed no symptoms. ## How the four vaccines compare, in a nutshell Covid-19 multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said in his [Jan 7, 2021 Talking Point interview](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-vaccine-testing-requirements-lawrence-wong-13912834) that the these three vaccines were selected out of a [total of 35](https://www.gov.sg/article/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines) before clinical data or “full-fledged information” was available. This was so that Singapore could be one of the first in the queue to obtain the necessary vaccines. The [Therapeutics and Vaccines expert panel (TxVax panel)](https://www.gov.sg/article/how-singapore-is-ensuring-access-to-covid-19-vaccines), comprising 18 scientists and clinicians across hospitals, A\STAR and the private sector, looked at data which came from the different vaccine companies at their respective stages of clinical trials to make a decision. Vaccines from more companies may be purchased later on to diversify options. These are what we know about the three vaccines confirmed for purchase at the moment. #### [Pfizer-BioNTech](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html) Name of vaccine:* BNT162b2 Origin: Germany and the United States Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 21 days apart Recommended for: People aged 16 years and older How effective: [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 95% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2034577?articleTools=true) Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -75 degrees Celsius #### [Moderna](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html) Name of vaccine: mRNA-1273 Origin: US Type: mRNA Number of doses required: 2 shots, 28 days apart Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: [Phase 3 trials end-point results showed 94.1% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2035389) Adverse effects: Chills, tiredness, headache. Check the [full list of ingredients](https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download) to pre-empt possible allergic reactions. Storage temperature: -20 degrees Celsius up to six months #### Sinovac Name of vaccine: CoronaVac Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: Phase 3 efficacy trials in different countries have had varying outcomes. Click [here](https://ourworldindata.org/covid-vaccinations) for updates. Adverse effects: Minor fatigue and discomfort (to be confirmed) Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius #### Sinopharm Name of vaccine: BBIBP-CorV Origin: Beijing, China Type: Inactivated vaccine (see below) Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: People aged 18 years and older How effective: [A large multi-country Phase 3 trial has shown that 2 doses, administered at an interval of 21 days, have an efficacy of 79%](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know) Adverse effects: Fever, pain at injection site, headaches, fatigue. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius #### Novavax Name of vaccine: NVX-CoV2373 Origin: United States Type: Protein-based vaccine Number of doses required: 2 Recommended for: TBC. Trials were conducted among candidates aged 18 years and above. How effective:[Phase 3 trial in the UK demonstrated 89.7% efficacy](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2107659) Adverse effects: Injection site pain and tenderness, fatigue, headache and muscle pain. Storage temperature: 2-8 degrees Celsius ![](https://asiamd.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ah1HeHueH5ZlnxxY1NHgnvIGG6e6Uit_z0_Jo97h7k00vODHW94Us3znqe9MGzclgxDnj7mimRgRVgpJnUGZAqx9OE1lqxk2jPmv8FfJduR0AQmQAHdpApJ4UsAlNHEk.jpg)BBC News published this graphic in an article dated Dec 30, 2020, to show how some of the Covid-19 vaccines compare against each other. Source: [BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55212787) ## How do the vaccines work? Video source: World Health Organization Vaccines help our body’s natural defences develop immunity to the virus which causes the illness, without us having to get sick. When you get a vaccine, your immune system is left with [“memory” T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes (defensive white blood cells)](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html) that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines; Sinovac and Sinopharm use inactivated vaccine technology; Novavax uses recombinant nanoparticle protein subunit vaccine technology. #### mRNA vaccines mRNA vaccines contain just enough genetic material from the Covid-19 virus that triggers our bodies to begin making viral proteins, but not the whole virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. In this way, our immune system is trained to recognise that the protein is an unwelcome invader, and will attack the virus in future. #### Inactivated vaccine technology Inactivated vaccine technology uses weakened or inactive viral particles to stimulate our body to produce an immune response to the Covid-19 virus. Once vaccinated, our body will begin making T-lymphocytes and antibodies. Memory cells will recognise and fight the virus should infections occur in future. #### Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology [Novavax](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/novavax-vaccine-moths-spike-protein-covid-19-non-mrna-15088434) contains harmless particles of the surface spike protein that SARS-CoV-2 uses to infect humans. It induces the body’s immune system to make antibodies and prevent the binding of the spike protein to human cells. Recombinant protein subunit vaccine technology has been around for decades. Another example of a recombinant vaccine is Shingrix, a shingles vaccine. ##### Links to more information on Covid-19 vaccines: [Gov.sg: What you should know about the Covid-19 vaccine](https://www.gov.sg/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-covid-19-vaccine) [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Different Covid-19 vaccines](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html) [World Health Organization: Covid-19 Vaccines](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines) [The different types of COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine-explained) [Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection](https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/vaccine-efficacy-effectiveness-and-protection) [World Health Organization: Covid-19: Variants and vaccines](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/media-resources/science-in-5/episode-20---covid-19---variants-vaccines) [BBC News: Covid: What do we know about China’s coronavirus vaccines?](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-55212787) [National Geographic: Here’s the latest on COVID-19 vaccines](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/health-and-human-body/human-diseases/coronavirus-vaccine-tracker-how-they-work-latest-developments-cvd/) [Ministry of Health – FAQs on booster doses](https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/faqs---booster-doses) Featured image by [Nataliya Vaitkevich](https://www.pexels.com/@n-voitkevich?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels) from [Pexels](https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-covid-vials-on-pink-surface-5863316/?utm_content=attributionCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pexels)
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