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Category: Legal

Published: March 17, 2021

The Singapore government will now consider offering early vaccination to Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who need them for urgent international travel.

According to a Press release This is done by the Ministry of Health (MOH) following appeals from members of the public who want their vaccination early.

While the government has focused on vaccinating identified priority groups for public health reasons, Singapore citizens and permanent residents in very exceptional circumstances may apply for earlier vaccination if more vaccines become available.

These circumstances include:

  • There is an urgent need to travel overseas to work abroad or to enter or complete a formal education or professional program where remote working or learning is not an option.
  • You would like to travel overseas to visit or care for a seriously ill immediate family member or seek medically necessary treatment that cannot be adequately received in Singapore.

The MOH noted that those wishing to apply for early vaccination should consider in their plans the time it will take to complete the full vaccination course in Singapore.

The vaccines currently available require two doses three to four weeks apart, and the vaccines are fully effective an additional two weeks after the second dose. Individuals should therefore aim to complete that registration form Successful applicants will be notified by email about eight weeks in advance.

While the government will attempt to address any appeals that meet the stated criteria, given the limited vaccine supply, priority will be given to those traveling to countries or regions at higher risk.

In addition, the government is working with hospitals and clinics to provide earlier vaccination for their patients with complex chronic conditions who would be more prone to serious complications if contracted with Covid-19. For such patients, their doctors will discuss with them whether their individual circumstances make them eligible for vaccination.

The press release also revealed current vaccination progress, plans for additional vaccination centers and introduced a financial assistance program for those suffering from serious side effects related to the COVID-19 vaccination. Key points summarized below:

  • As of March 15, 2021, more than 792,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been administered.
    • More than 549,000 people have received at least the first dose.
    • Approximately 243,000 have also received their second dose (i.e., the full schedule).
    • More than 175,000 seniors have received their first dose, and about 230,000 seniors have made appointments to have their first dose over the next few weeks.
  • There will be a total of 40 vaccination centers across the island by mid-April.
    • By March 16, 2021, in addition to the 20 polyclinics and 22 PHPCs (Public Health Preparedness Clinics) that are also in operation, a total of 24 vaccination centers will be in operation.
    • Seven other vaccination centers in Bukit Batok, Bukit Merah, Jurong West, Punggol, Sengkang, Tampines and Woodlands will gradually start operating on March 17th.
    • Four of the seven upcoming vaccination centers will deliver the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine – namely the Hong Kah North Community Club, the Marsiling Community Club, the Punggol 21 Community Club and the Radin Mas Community Club.
    • The more deliveries of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine arrive, the more vaccination centers will offer the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
    • Each vaccination center will only store and administer one type of vaccine. Individuals must select the same vaccination center for both their first and second appointments when booking through the national appointment system.
  • The COVID-19 Vaccination Injury Financial Aid Program (VIFAP) will provide financial assistance to Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term passport holders vaccinated under the National Immunization Program should a person experience serious side effects related to their COVID-19 vaccination.
    • VIFAP can be applied for from March 17, 2021.
    • The payout received will depend on the severity of the serious side effects attributed to the COVID-19 vaccines.
    • The three payout levels are:
      • One-time payout of $ 2,000 for individuals who needed inpatient hospitalization and medical intervention and subsequently recover;
      • One-time payout of $ 10,000 for individuals who need admission to high addiction or critical care and then recover; and
      • One-time payout of $ 225,000 for those who die as a result of a COVID-19 vaccination or are permanently severely disabled.
    • The VIFAP is not intended to reimburse medical expenses. It provides an additional level of financial support on top of existing government funding systems for healthcare incurred medical expenses, which include government subsidies, MediShield Life, MediSave, and MediFund.
    • To apply for VIFAP, individuals must submit an application with medical information about the serious side effects of their treating physician. All applications are reviewed by an independent clinical panel.

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