After months of despair, heartache, and an unhealthy amount of bubble tea, 2020 promises to end on a good note.
Infections here have dwindled and the country is poised to shift to the third phase of her safe reopening.
We also recently received the incredible news that two Covid-19 vaccines have been found to be around 95% effective.
If approved, mass vaccination programmes could begin in the US this month.
We’re, of course, happy for Americans, but what about us?
Well, if everything goes well, we could have one effective Covid-19 vaccine very, very soon.
Moderna Seeking Approval to Use COVID-19 Vaccine in S’pore & Can Ship Vaccine ‘Right Away’
Moderna, one of the two companies to have successfully developed an effective Covid-19 vaccine, is seeking approval from authorities in Singapore for use of its vaccine here.
If approved, the first batch of vaccines could arrive this month.
According to The Straits Times, Moderna is in talks with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore about using the vaccine here.
Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel told ST that while the Singapore government may need some time to be “comfortable with the data” in order to ensure its safety, he anticipates it could be used here in December this year or January 2021.
The number of doses Singapore would receive could not be disclosed, but Bancel confirmed that Moderna can ship its vaccines here “right away” once approval is given.
However, the authorities have stated its reluctance to rely on one vaccine, and said that Singapore would instead work on securing several vaccine candidates.
Two Vaccines Candidates Awaiting Emergency Use Authorisation
Unless you’re a cockroach whose only goal in life is to creep out SHN guests at 5-star hotels, you’re probably aware of Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines.
Moderna’s clinical trial, which involved 30,000 people, had shown that their vaccine was 94.1% effective in preventing Covid-19.
Even more impressive is the fact that it’s 100% effective at preventing severe disease from the coronavirus.
Yes, 100%.
Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech’s vaccine has been found to be 95% effective in a trial that enrolled 43,000 participants.
Both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech have already applied for emergency use authorisation and if approved, could start distributing its vaccines for use in the US immediately.
While both vaccines protect against severe illness from Covid-19, it’s unclear if they will stop infected people from spreading the illness.
The clinical trials of both companies also revealed no serious safety concerns, which will put future recipients at ease.
Once approved, we’ll just have to wait for our turn.
In any case, it certainly is a remarkable feat for science.
Featured Image: rafapress / Shutterstock.com
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