You Can Now Choose Which COVID-19 Vaccine to Take With MOH’s Full List of Vaccination Centres & Vaccines

By
Shawn Ambrose
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Just like how all parents secretly have a favourite child, you might prefer one COVID-19 vaccine over another.

Two vaccines have been approved for use in Singapore so far, namely the ones produced by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The Sinovac vaccine remains under review by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA).

Both have similar efficacy rates and side effects, but now, you won’t be kept in the dark about which mystery vaccine you’ll get at the vaccination centres.

You Can Now Choose Which COVID-19 Vaccine to Take With MOH’s Full List of Vaccination Centres & Vaccines

Good news: the authorities are now permitting residents to choose which COVID-19 vaccine to take!

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently published a comprehensive list of vaccination centres and their respective vaccines which residents can refer to before making an appointment.

While you’re allowed to choose your preferred vaccine, certain centres may have limited slots due to the strong demand for COVID-19 vaccinations in Singapore and limited supplies.

What Are the Differences Between the 2 Vaccines?

11 out of the 38 centres will be administering the Moderna vaccine, while the rest are giving the Pfizer-BioNTech shot.

There are four community clubs among these 11 centres: Hong Kah North, Marsiling, Punggol 21 and Radin Mas. Kolam Ayer, Buona Vista, Potong Pasir, Tampines East, Woodlands, Kebun Baru and Yew Tee make up the remaining seven that administer the Moderna jab.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first to arrive in Singapore, with shipments coming in last December. Not long after, the Moderna vaccine was approved for use as well.

Both vaccines utilise the new messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. It stimulates cells into making virus proteins that the immune system sees as a threat and attacks it.

And once you’ve developed an immunity, your body will instantly recognise the COVID-19 virus and attack it if it enters your system.

Both vaccines are also highly effective at preventing COVID-19 contraction: Moderna has an efficacy rate of 94% and Pfizer-BioNTech’s is 95%.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have similar side effects as well, which include:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Chills
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea or vomiting

However, there is a possibility of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis with any vaccine, including both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

This reaction requires immediate medical attention as it’s life-threatening. The incidence of anaphylactic reactions is rare, however, and those with a history of anaphylaxis are advised not to take the vaccines.

The main difference between the two vaccines is that Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires two 30-microgram doses taken three weeks apart, while Moderna’s vaccine requires two 100-microgram doses taken four weeks apart.

S’pore Residents Aged Under 45 Might Be Able to Book COVID-19 Vaccination Slots From Jun 2021 Onwards

Recently, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary announced that Singapore residents aged under 45 may be invited for vaccinations from June.

To expedite vaccinations, the number of vaccination centres was increased on 5 Apr, and a further nine will be added by mid-April.

Once registered for the vaccine, those eligible can expect to receive a SMS to book their vaccination appointments when slots become available.

However, Dr Puthucheary cautioned that Singapore’s vaccine supply remains constrained owing to fierce international competition for the limited stock, and apologised for the lower number of booking slots available.

FeatureImage: CEPTAP / Shutterstock.com

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]