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Everything You Need to Know About COVID-19 Booster Shots in Singapore

2021-10-31 , 10:59 am

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise daily, the government is scrambling to ramp up vaccination rates to ensure that those who are fully vaccinated get their booster shots to better protect themselves against the infection.

Previously, it was announced that only those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, and those who are 50 years old and above could take the new COVID-19 booster shot. This is because they are considered the be the most vulnerable group now, evident from the statistics of those with severe reactions these days.

Then, on 9 October, it was announced that the invitation to take the COVID-19 booster shot has been extended to those above the age of 30, healthcare and frontline workers above the age of 18, as well as those in institutionalised settings. The latter refers to those in prison or residential care facilities, and they are advised to take the booster shot because they live in indoor settings of “increased human density” which increases their chances of being exposed to COVID-19.

Reason for Booster Shot

Many people have the misconception that the fact that a booster shot is needed implies that the first two doses we have taken are not effective at protecting us from COVID-19.

I mean, that’s why the cases are rising like crazy despite our vaccination rates being quite high now right?

That’s actually not true. The first two doses we have taken are indeed effective against COVID-19. However, some studies have shown that the level of protection offered by these vaccines decreases over time, and this is especially so for those who are severely immunocompromised.

As such, the booster shot was developed to increase our level of protection and make sure that we all continue to stay safe.

What Booster Shot Should I Take?

Singapore currently offers two brands of booster shots – Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

The booster shot for the Moderna vaccine is half the dosage used for the first two shots, decreasing from 100 mcg to 50 mcg. This is because studies have shown that just 50 mcg is enough to effectively increase one’s immune protection against COVID-19. But of course, if you have somehow received a 100 mcg dose for your booster vaccination, there are no safety concerns that you should be wary about.

The dosage used for the booster shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the same as the first two shots, at 30 mcg.

If you have taken the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine previously, you can choose to continue with the same brand, or opt for Moderna instead. Likewise, the same applies if you’ve previously taken the Moderna vaccine.

But what if I took the Sinovac/Sinopharm vaccine instead? Can I still take the booster shot?

Yes, you can. In fact, you are recommended to receive a dose of either of the two mRNA vaccines as a booster shot unless you have been told by a medical professional that you are not suitable for it. As long as you receive the text message with your personalised booking link for the appointment, it means you are eligible.

If I Don’t Take The Booster Shot, Will It Affect My Vaccination Status?

The simple answer is, no, it will not. If you do not take the booster shot but you have taken two doses of mRNA vaccines, you will still be considered to be “fully vaccinated” for the purpose of vaccine differentiated safe management measures (SMM).

However, it is highly recommended that you take the shot because it will increase your body’s ability to develop a more protective immune response to reduce your risk of suffering a severe reaction to COVID-19.

If I Have Recovered From COVID-19 And Have Been Vaccinated, Do I Still Have To Take The Booster Shot?

If you are someone who has recovered from COVID-19 and you were fully vaccinated prior to being infected by COVID-19, you do not need to take the booster shot.

Only recovered persons who were unvaccinated, or partially vaccinated at the point of infection will have to take one dose of mRNA vaccine. This should be done at least three months after infection so that you minimise the chances of reinfection. This will be part of your primary series vaccination, and no additional booster shot is recommended currently.

What if I unknowingly recovered from COVID-19 and took the booster shot? Is there anything I should be wary of?

Don’t worry. There are no additional safety concerns if you take the booster shot despite having unknowingly recovered from COVID-19.

When Will Those Under The Age of 30 Be Offered The Booster Shot?

The Ministry of Health and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) are still monitoring the situation to determine if those under 30 are required to take the booster shot.

You don’t have to worry too much about it. If they do deem it necessary, you’ll receive a text message with your personalised booking link for you to make your appointment. So until then, just be careful and follow the restrictions in place.