Last Thursday (5 Aug) Health Minister Ong Ye Kung made a plea to doctors and nurses outside the public healthcare sector: we need your services to vaccinate more seniors.
Mr Ong was calling for healthcare workers to assist in the home vaccination service, which provides inoculations for those who cannot physically go to a vaccination centre.
However, with demand rapidly increasing, the waiting time had gone up to eight weeks, even with doctors and nurses going “all out”.
Fortunately, many healthcare workers responded to Mr Ong’s call.
Over 100 Doctors & Nurses Stepped Forward To Help Out in Home Vaccination After Health Minister’s Appeal
Within 72 hours after Mr Ong made his appeal, more than 100 doctors and nurses stepped forward to volunteer their services for home vaccinations.
Speaking to The Straits Times, Mr Ong said this included 48 doctors and 56 nurses. They signed up with SG Healthcare Corps, a medical reserve force set up in April last year to support volunteers from the healthcare and community care sectors in their battle against COVID-19.
Mr Ong is hoping that the addition of these healthcare workers will help the team double the number of home vaccination teams so the waiting time can be reduced.
At the moment, there are around 12 home vaccination teams. They are operated by home care providers such as Speedoc, Jaga-Me, and Edgedale Medical Clinic.
Mr Ong thanked the volunteers who stepped forward, saying the response was very encouraging.
“My deepest appreciation to the volunteer doctors and nurses. I salute your sense of duty and commitment,” he said.
Who Can Get Vaccinated at Home?
It’s not just seniors who are eligible for this service.
Any homebound resident, such as those with mobility issues or who have special care needs, can get vaccinated at home.
Both a doctor and nurses will be present during the vaccination, because some seniors may be frail and immobile, and will need to be monitored.
Vaccination Progress For Seniors
As of 4 Aug, 1,200 homebound individuals have received their shots at home.
In total, 86% of residents in the 60 to 69 age group have been fully vaccinated, with 90% at least partially vaccinated.
The numbers are a little lower for those in the 70 and above age group; 78% have completed their vaccination regimen while 84% have received at least one dose.
As of 9 Aug, 70% of our general population have been fully vaccinated, with 79% having received at least one dose.
“Vaccination remains a key enabler in our fight against COVID-19. We urge all who are eligible to be vaccinated,” MOH said.
Read Also:
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Featured Image: Facebook (Ong Ye Kung)
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