24 Private Clinics Offering Sinovac’s COVID-19 Vaccine; It’s Free But People Have to Pay Admin Fees

By
Shawn Ambrose
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Earlier this month, PM Lee said that nearly 40% of residents in Singapore have had at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

More residents would soon be able to get the jab, as appointments have been opened up to those aged 12 to 39.

Two vaccines have been approved for public use here, namely Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines.

However, there’s now a third choice for those who want to get their shot immediately. But this shorter waiting time comes with a price. Literally.

24 Private Clinics Offering Sinovac’s COVID-19 Vaccine

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has selected 24 private healthcare institutions to administer Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines.

In a press release yesterday (16 June), MOH said providers will draw from MOH’s existing stock and can administer the vaccine to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, and those holding Long-Term Passes.

“MOH reviewed the applications based on the providers’ ability to administer the vaccines safely, properly and efficiently,” it said.

It also considered its proposed vaccination administration fees, among other things. This was done to ensure that the vaccinations would be safe and affordable to members of the public.

So, how much will it be?

It’s Free But People Have to Pay Admin Fees

Well, the vaccine itself is free, but people will have to pay administration fees to receive it.

Reader: So it’s not free then. 

Uh… right.

Fees for the vaccine range from S$10 to S$25, inclusive of consultation and 7% GST.

“As these vaccines are being provided to the providers at no cost, individuals should take note that the providers should not charge them for the vaccine cost,” the ministry said.

So, beyond the administration fees, there should not be any additional costs.

Here are the fees charged by the 24 clinics:

Image: MOH

Not Covered Under Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme

MOH reminded residents that Sinovac’s vaccine is not part of the national vaccine programme and will therefore not be covered under the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 vaccination.

Those who still want to get the vaccine should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors at their selected private healthcare institutions before making a decision.

Those interested may contact the providers directly from 18 June 2021.

Uses More Traditional Vaccine

Compared to Pfizer-BioNTech’s and Moderna’s vaccines, Sinovac’s vaccine uses a more traditional inactivated vaccine.

It works by using killed viral particles to expose the body’s immune system to the virus without triggering a serious disease response. This will then ‘teach’ the body how to fight the virus the next time it encounters it.

This type of vaccine has been used to inoculate people against polio.

Conversely, Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines tapped on a new technology called mRNA to make their vaccines.

This involves injecting part of the coronavirus’ genetic code into the body, triggering the body to produce viral proteins but not the whole virus. This will train the immune system to attack the virus.

Featured Image: rafapress / Shutterstock.com

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]