S’pore Likely to Start Giving COVID-19 Vaccines to Different Segments of Population from 2021

A sense of normalcy is gradually felt over here at our sunny island. As the number of Covid-19 infections remains low, we can now (sort of) return to our normal day to day activities.

In fact, there is a possibility that Phase 3 might happen before the end of this year.

The more urgent topic on hand is the date in which the vaccine to end the global pandemic will be launched.

There are various studies and ongoing medical trials, all racing against time to produce a vaccine to fight the virus.

In a virtual press conference on October 20, it was announced that the government is making plans for the vaccine’s distribution strategy from next year onwards.

May Give Vaccine Priority to People with Higher Risk of Getting Infected and Those Vulnerable to Virus

Singapore might make plans to vaccinate various population segments against Covid-19 from next year onwards.

One thing to note is that the vaccines might be prioritised to be given to two groups of the population first.

These two groups are individuals who are more vulnerable to the virus and people who are at higher risk of getting infected, which include healthcare professionals and those working in front line roles.

The vaccine will then be provided to the rest of the population in a progressive manner.

Ministry of Health’s (MOH) director of medical services, Professor Kenneth Mak, mentioned in the virtual conference that the details of the prioritisation are being worked out by an expert panel.

This panel will also examine the various vaccine options.

According to Professor Mak, most of the phase three studies (phase three for the development of a vaccine, not for the reopening of Singapore) will be completed at the end of this year. Thus, the plan to vaccine different parts of the population is most likely to commence from 2021 onwards.

He also added that the task force is also looking to get different types of vaccines from multiple suppliers.

The reason?

To ensure that risk is diversified in the event that a particular vaccine candidate isn’t successful.

Several Factors to Consider When Procuring Vaccines

While procuring vaccines to eradicate the pandemic is important, there are several factors that are taken into consideration when making this decision.

Some of the factors to consider are price, the quantity of vaccine available and logistics, such as the way in which the vaccine distribution is managed.

With regards to the quantity of vaccine available, several aspects such as whether the vaccine is only suitable for certain groups of people, and the possibility of adverse effects are also being considered.