Who has avoided Sinovac's vaccine?

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#1 Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

'Painless' vaccine jab for PM Lee as nationwide drive gets under way

Senior staff nurse Fatimah Mohd Shah, 41, administering the vaccine shot for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at Singapore General Hospital yesterday. He told reporters that it was painless, effective and important. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Joyce Teo

JAN 9, 2021, 5:00 AM SGT

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong rolled up his sleeve for the Covid-19 vaccine injection yesterday, as the nationwide vaccination effort to combat the coronavirus swung into high gear.

A left-hander, PM Lee was administered the shot in his right arm by nurse Fatimah Mohd Shah, and experienced no side effects despite a 30-minute precautionary wait.

"It is painless, it is effective and it is important," he told reporters at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the only one to be approved here so far.

"I hope that Singaporeans will take it up as we roll it out."

The Health Ministry's director of medical services Kenneth Mak, as well as 88 healthcare staff, also received their shots yesterday, as the vaccination drive for healthcare workers and front-line staff gets under way.

The vaccine is free and will be rolled out progressively, with most people here able to get vaccinated by the end of the year.

The elderly, those at greater risk of severe disease and those in jobs or settings with a high risk of super-spreading events will be able to receive the Covid-19 jabs from next month.

Widespread vaccinations will be critical in ending the pandemic and allowing life to become more normal around the world.

While Covid-19 numbers in Singapore remain low, they have been inching up as measures were relaxed since phase three of reopening started on Dec 28.

Imported cases, in particular, have been on the rise, as more people are allowed into the country.

There were eight new cases in the community in the past week, and 10 the week before.

Yesterday, there were 23 new coronavirus cases, taking Singapore's total to 58,836.

As the pandemic continues to rage around the world, countries are urgently rolling out Covid-19 vaccinations, with Britain the first to start a mass vaccination drive with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on Dec 8.

Singapore had launched a small-scale vaccination exercise on 40 staff at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases on Dec 30 to test the roll-out process.
PM Lee will be taking his second dose of the vaccine in three weeks.

"We have got ample vaccines coming in, we ordered them early. We have enough for everybody in Singapore, all the residents, all the citizens and even the non-citizens who are staying here," he said yesterday.

He added: "It will make us safer, and it will make you and your loved ones safer too. So, please take it when you get it."

Senior staff nurse Fatimah, 41, a veteran of almost 20 years at SGH, learnt the night before that she was going to be the one administering PM Lee's injection.

She was "a bit nervous", but said she felt honoured, her smile shining through her mask in the wefie that PM Lee took with her later.

PM Lee, who posted photos of his experience on Facebook, wrote: "In the gentle and capable hands of Senior Staff Nurse Fatimah. I barely felt the needle!"

Ms Chang Yan Jun, 25, a radiographer in SGH's emergency department, also got vaccinated yesterday. "At first, I was a bit nervous, but then, after taking the vaccine, I feel like actually, it is (okay). I don't have any (discomfort)," she said.

The vaccine was also rolled out to the staff at other public healthcare institutions such as Changi General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital yesterday.

Staff at private healthcare group Parkway Pantai and Mount Alvernia and Farrer Park hospitals will get their shots starting today.

The Government has said that more vaccines are set to arrive soon, including those by American biotechnology firm Moderna and China's Sinovac.

 

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#2 Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong

Over 6,200 people in Singapore received Covid-19 vaccine so far; 4 vaccination centres operational by end-Jan
1 of 2

Health Minister Gan Kim Yong receiving the Covid-19 vaccination from Dr Richard Tan at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital on Jan 13, 2021.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

Yuen Sin

14 JAN 2021

SINGAPORE - More than 6,200 people have received their first doses of the Covid-19 vaccine since Singapore kicked off its vaccination drive, with eight vaccination centres to be set up by the end of February, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Wednesday (Jan 13).

This includes two centres at Changi Airport Terminal 4 and Raffles City Convention Centre that are already operational, as well as two more at the former Hong Kah Secondary School and Woodlands Galaxy Community Club that will be ready next week.

Another four centres will be ready in February, and more centres will be progressively opened as Singapore expands its vaccination programme, added Mr Gan, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19.

Shots will also be given at polyclinics and general practitioner clinics.

He was speaking to reporters during a visit to Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine along with task force co-chair Lawrence Wong and other nursing home staff.

Mr Gan urged other Singaporeans to get vaccinated when their turn comes, stressing that this is key to the further reopening of activities in the community and economy.

The pace of vaccination is being ramped up from this week, with close to 2,800 vaccinated on Tuesday, said Mr Gan. He added that the first four centres have been located in various parts of the island to provide greater accessibility and convenience.

Singapore's nationwide vaccination drive kicked off on Dec 30 last year. If all goes to plan, Singapore will have enough vaccines to vaccinate everyone by the third quarter of this year.

Those who have already started receiving their jabs include healthcare workers in public and private hospitals, Home Team officers involved in front-line healthcare operations, and staff from Ren Ci's Bukit Batok nursing home.

On Wednesday, a vaccination exercise also kicked off for eligible Singapore Airlines staff, including cabin crew and pilots at the arrival hall of Changi Airport Terminal 4.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - the only one approved here to date - requires two injections, given 21 days apart. Singapore is expecting more Covid-19 vaccine deliveries in the next few months, including from US biotechnology firm Moderna and China's Sinovac.

 

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#3 Covid-19 task force co-chairman and Education Minister Lawrence Wong

Covid-19 task force co-chairman and Education Minister Lawrence Wong receiving the Covid-19 vaccine from Dr Richard Tan at Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital on Jan 13, 2021. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

 

[dredd]

Even the person injecting is a doctor. For us, probably some NSF medic. Four legs good, two legs better logic?

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccines will be more expensive than Sinovac's and justifiably so.

Who gets the more expensive vaccines and who gets the cheapest vaccine?

Pfizer and Moderna for ministers, MPs, civil servants, elites, health care workers, cronies, and well-connected; and Sinovac for the peasants, mortals and Sinkies?

 

[KuanTi01]

Did they choose the vaccine? Why don't they wait for Sinovac and set the proper example for the rest of the citizens?

 

[bushtucker]

Behind the scenes, the doctors have already chosen the best brand for the ministars. Needless to say, no China vaccine for them cos the efficacy is only 51% as mentioned in another thread.

 

[laksaboy]

All these early birds only have Pfizer to choose from... what do you think?

 

[laksaboy]

Behind the scenes, the doctors have already chosen the best brand for the ministars. Needless to say, no China vaccine for them cos the efficacy is only 51% as mentioned in another thread.

When it comes to China vaccines, efficacy is actually the last thing you should be concerned about. There are far worse problems.

 

[bushtucker]

When it comes to China vaccines, efficacy is actually the last thing you should be concerned about. There are far worse problems.

Haha true. Even luncheon meat also not safe.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#4 Wealthy

kimlimhl
Verified

Took my first COVID-19 vaccine today. Was abit hesitant when I received the SMS but after alot of reading and thinking I decided to go for it. Wanted to do it for my team too so that they know it’s ok to take the vaccine. was very smooth and the polyclinics organised it very well. Impressed and really nothing to worry about. It’s ok ❤ oh and for those wondering why we can take first it’s because we are considered healthcare sector as well. We have GP clinics too. So those working there are eligible. Don’t worry everyone will have their turn ❤

 

[rushifa666]

so total is 10% whata win. Parliament i think is less than that

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#5 Dr. Desmond Wai.

Would Dr. Desmond Wai be so willing to be vaccinated if it was Sinovac's vaccine?

Why I opted for Covid-19 vaccination now, instead of waiting
By DESMOND WAI
JANUARY 15, 2021

Photo courtesy of Desmond Wai
The author receiving his Covid-19 vaccination at the Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital on Jan 13, 2021.

According to an online survey in December commissioned by Nanyang Technological University’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information, some 45 per cent of the 999 respondents did not intend to get themselves vaccinated when the Covid-19 vaccine became available in Singapore.

Misperceptions and fake news about the vaccines were thought to be the main reason for the suboptimal response.

Interestingly, a TODAY report this week also noted that not all healthcare workers are keen on getting the jab even though Singapore’s Covid-19 vaccination exercise has been underway for nearly two weeks.

I just had my Covid-19 vaccination on Wednesday (Jan 13) and I would like to share my personal reasons for getting inoculated. Hopefully, those hesitant about being vaccinated would change their minds.

First, I trust the science of the vaccine. Doctors like myself practise evidence-based medicine. We were taught to scrutinise clinical studies on any new medical intervention before applying them in our practice.

An examination of the clinical efficacy and safety of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), one of the top medical journals in the world.

The study was published in the Dec 31, 2020 issue. A total of 43,448 participants were randomly assigned to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or a placebo.

Nine Covid-19 infections were observed in the vaccine group, and 169 cases occurred in the placebo group over a follow-up period of three months.

The study showed there was a 94.6 per cent efficacy rate in preventing infection.

If one scrutinises the data further, protection by the vaccine occurred about 10 days after the first injection.

Very few significant adverse effects were observed in both groups.

Based on this landmark study, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech for the general public.I have no doubt that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Second, I trust the committee behind the vaccine implementation programme in Singapore.

In addition to the standard appraisal by the Health Science Authority (HSA), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has set up a 14-member expert vaccine committee to appraise the vaccine’s clinical safety and efficacy. Both the HSA and the expert committee independently approved the use of the vaccine in our local population.

I have worked with several members of the expert committee since 1989. Professor Tan Chor Chuan and Associate Professor Benjamin Ong were both formerly Director of Medical Services at MOH. Both were my head of department when I was a junior doctor. Dr Danny Soon, chief executive officer (CEO) of Consortium of Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore and a member of the expert committee, was my classmate in medical school.

These are highly intelligent, experienced medical practitioners and scientists.I trust their opinion.

Third, I trust my friends who have already had the vaccination since it was rolled out in Singapore.

Many of my doctor friends, including CEOs of hospitals, heads of departments and senior doctors, have already had their vaccination since its launch.

They add to my confidence that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Fourth, I do not need to wait and see anymore.

’Some friends and even colleagues prefer to see if there are any adverse effects among those who have been vaccinated first before they have their own jabs.

According to data collected by Bloomberg, as of Jan 13, more than 30.5 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been administered in 43 countries.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA have been monitoring any serious adverse effects of the vaccines closely.

So far, the approved vaccines are still deemed safe and effective.

Fifth, I do not believe in fake news and fake statistical analysis.

I have come across a report saying a nurse contracted Covid-19 after vaccination.

But remember that the vaccine offers protection only 10 days after the first dose.

The 95 per cent protection rate requires two doses of vaccination 21 days apart. So it is not surprising that someone can contract the virus immediately after the first dose.

Some social media posts put up anecdotal cases of severe adverse effects and even death after vaccination.

While some could possibly be real, they were merely case reports.

We ought to examine the causal relationship between the causes of death and the vaccination and the rate of the occurrence over the total number vaccinated, which is 30 million.

Besides, we need to consider the probability of those deaths occurring in the general public for other reasons.

Actually, in the study published in NEJM, two participants died after receiving the Pfizer vaccine.

But it does not mean that they were killed by the vaccine. The same goes for the four participants who died after receiving the placebo during the same period.

Experts have studied the cause of their death and concluded none of the six deaths was related to the vaccine or the placebo.

Sixth, I am worried about getting infected with Covid-19.

Singapore may be doing well now with few community cases. But no one knows how long this will last.

Hong Kong had very daily few cases for more than two months before a second wave hit in November 2020, with no sign of tapering even now.

Singapore has been touted as having one of the lowest mortality of Covid-19 infections in the world.

But this does not mean Covid-19 is not dangerous.

In fact, Lancet, another top medical journal, just published a study on the post-Covid-19 syndrome in its Jan 8, 2021 issue.

Researchers from Wuhan, China followed 1,733 discharged Covid-19 patients for six months and found that 76 per cent had at least one of the following symptoms: Fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, hair loss, smell disorder, palpitations, joint pain, reduced appetite and taste disorders.

Other smaller studies have suggested that Covid-19 infection may cause long-term damage in patients’ brain, heart, and lungs.

Seventh, the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine may not be guaranteed.

The Singapore Government has said that it has procured sufficient doses of Covid-19 vaccines for all residents.

But we cannot rule out the possibility that the supply could be disrupted.

Back in January 2020, Taiwan halted exports of face masks, affecting many countries, including Singapore.

Later in April 2020, President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act to compel 3M, the company that manufactures the N95 respirator masks, to sell to the US as many as it needs.

This is why I would rather get myself vaccinated now, rather than later.

Finally, get vaccinated before the next outbreak.

Besides Hong Kong, many other countries are seeing a new wave of infections, resulting in partial lockdown of some cities, or in the case of our nearest neighbour Malaysia, a state of emergency.

Vaccinating the public requires lots of logistical effort and manpower. Should there be another outbreak in Singapore, resources will be stretched.

It is not clear whether that might affect the vaccination programme.I got my vaccine shot at 8.26am and was observed for half an hour for any side effects.

By 9.30am, I was back at work in my clinic, happy that I had been inoculated. I had moderate pain on my left deltoid 12 hours after the injection. I could still function normally but there was soreness over my left upper arm.

Fortunately the pain was gone by itself the next morning. I could do my routine pull-up exercises two days after the vaccination. So for me, the jab is not entirely painless but the pain lasted only for a short while.

I urge all my friends, patients, and citizens to get vaccinated when they have a chance to do so.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr Desmond Wai is a gastroenterologist and hepatologist in private practice.
Read more at https://www.todayonline.com/comment...wYLANaS8yV1LnxDLgjr0qTl6ZUk4Xvt-qQzweEdqPEu1c

 

[rushifa666]

As alwaya the most rabid dogs are sucking up to get.. what exactly? People leeching more from pap dont have tk dk this shit

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#6 DPM Heng Swee Keat

DPM Heng gets first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, says Pfizer-BionTech shot safe for former stroke patients

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said his vaccination was "painless and done in less than 10 seconds".
(Photo: MCI/L H Goh)
20 Jan 2021

SINGAPORE: Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat received his first dose of the Pfizer-BionTech vaccine on Wednesday (Jan 20).

In a Facebook post, the 59-year-old said that before the procedure, he first sat for a consultation with Dr Shawn Vasoo, clinical director at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).

"Prior to getting the vaccination, I sat down with Dr Shawn Vasoo to run through the medical questionnaire.

"The vaccine is safe and effective, even for former stroke patients like myself," said Mr Heng, who is also Singapore's Minister for Finance and a Member of Parliament for the East Coast GRC.

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat (centre) with NCID clinical director Dr Shawn Vasoo (left) and nurse manager Imrana Banu.
(Photo: MCI/L H Goh)

Mr Heng collapsed during a Cabinet meeting in 2016 and was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he was found to have suffered a stroke due to an aneurysm.
"During my East Coast Conversation with residents about Phase 3 on Sunday, vaccination was understandably the top discussion topic," Mr Heng said.

"We are progressively rolling out our national vaccination strategy in the coming weeks and months.

"I strongly encourage you to take it up when it becomes available to you. This will not only protect you, but also your loved ones and our community."

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat meeting with NCID researchers after his vaccination on Jan 20, 2021.
(Photo: MCI/L H Goh)

Singapore began its COVID-19 vaccination drive in December. Senior staff nurse Sarah Lim was the first to receive her vaccine, followed by 39 other healthcare workers at NCID.

Since then, this phase of the vaccination drive has seen shots being given to frontline healthcare workers including those in the Home Team, as well as frontline aviation and maritime workers.

The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination has also recommended that about 5 per cent of the available vaccine stock at any given point in time be set aside for those who are "of critical importance to the functioning of Singapore", so as to ensure that the country's water, utilities and other nationally essential services are not disrupted.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, as well as COVID-19 task force co-chairs Gan Kim Yong and Lawrence Wong, have all received their first doses.

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#7 Ng Eng Hen
#8 All SAF and MINDEF personnel

Covid-19 vaccinations begin for SAF and Mindef personnel; most to be vaccinated by mid-2021

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen (seated, right) receiving the Covid-19 vaccine last week.
PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, SINGAPORE (MINDEF)/FACEBOOK

Lim Min Zhang

21 JAN 2021

SINGAPORE - The first batch of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine on Jan 14, with plans for most of the SAF to be vaccinated by the middle of the year, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Thursday (Jan 21).

The first phase of the SAF's vaccination programme targets medical and Covid-19 front-line personnel. It is expected to be completed in six weeks, including the second dose, said Mindef in a Facebook post.

Personnel in critical units - such as those involved in the protection of key installations, sea and air defence, and counter-terrorism - will be next in line before the rest of the SAF receive their shots.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in the same post that there are plans to get the bulk of the SAF's active forces vaccinated by the middle of this year.

Singapore is ramping up its vaccination programme, with those in the military joining others who have already taken the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, such as Home Team officers, nursing home staff, and healthcare and aviation workers.

Dr Ng and Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad joined 20 SAF personnel to receive the vaccine last week at the Mindef Medical Centre in Bukit Gombak.

The staff included Chief of Medical Corps, Colonel (Dr) Lo Hong Yee. They will receive their second dose 21 days later.

All active SAF service personnel who are medically eligible to be vaccinated will be able to receive the vaccination, said Mindef.

"Wide vaccination coverage in the SAF will protect our servicemen and women, support the SAF's operational readiness and enable the wider resumption of training and force generation activities," it said.

Among the first to receive the vaccine was combat medic Corporal Talgeri Raviraj Ramchandra from the Jurong Camp medical centre.

The 20-year-old full-time national serviceman said: "I'm honestly grateful to be one of the first SAF personnel to receive the vaccination. It makes me more confident in carrying out my job.

"I can also (better) protect those around me."


Ministry of Defence, Singapore (MINDEF)
36 minutes ago
#COVID19 vaccinations have begun for MINDEF and SAF personnel.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad joined the initial batch of SAF personnel who received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine on 14 Jan. They will be receiving their second dose 21 days later.
Describing the jab as “smooth and painless”, Dr Ng said: “We want to do (the vaccination) safely and with the experience that I’ve had, they’ve worked out ...
See More

+2

 

[LITTLEREDDOT]

#9 Senior citizens in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar

Senior citizens to be vaccinated from Jan 27, starting with pilots in Ang Mo Kio, Tanjong Pagar

Pilot vaccination programmes for the elderly will begin in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar on Jan 27, 2021.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO

Justin Ong
Political Correspondent

22 JAN 2021

SINGAPORE - Singapore will start Covid-19 vaccination for seniors aged 70 and above from next Wednesday (Jan 27), starting with pilots in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar, where larger numbers of the elderly reside.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 seniors in each of the two housing estates will be invited to get vaccinated, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong during a press conference by the multi-ministry task force for Covid-19 on Friday (Jan 22).

"Depending on the response, we may increase or reduce the number. Soon after the pilot... we will begin to roll out to other areas, other precincts progressively," he added.

Two vaccination centres at Teck Ghee Community Club and Tanjong Pagar Community Club will be set up by Feb 1.

But Mr Gan said that from next Monday (Jan 25), seniors in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar will be able to book their appointments for vaccinations at polyclinics.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said seniors would receive letters inviting them to book appointments for their vaccinations either online or at selected community centres near them.

Volunteers from the People's Association and Silver Generation Ambassadors will also conduct house visits and tap existing grassroots events to answer queries and help seniors book appointments if necessary.

Information sheets will be issued to seniors, who can call the MOH hotline if they need further assistance.

The two pilots will help MOH iron out operational processes before it proceeds to scale up the programme nationwide, with vaccinations to be progressively extended to all seniors from mid-February.

MOH added that more vaccination centres will be set up over the next few weeks to ensure that all seniors can conveniently receive their vaccinations at a centre near where they live.

These centres will be located in high-population catchment areas or near public transport routes for greater accessibility.

Tender documents issued by MOH earlier this week revealed that it was seeking to appoint a vendor to set up 36 centres from February.

Last week, Mr Gan said eight vaccination centres would be set up by the end of February.

Singapore's nationwide vaccination effort kicked off on Dec 30 last year. It plans to have enough vaccines for all citizens and long-term residents by the third quarter of 2021.

 

[tobelightlight]

Oh my goodness. Ignorance and blind obedience will kill you.

 

[laksaboy]

158th very misleading... the headline suggests that it's mandatory. Propaganda in full-force now.

Senior citizens to be vaccinated from Jan 27, starting with pilots in Ang Mo Kio, Tanjong Pagar

SINGAPORE - Singapore will start Covid-19 vaccination for seniors aged 70 and above from next Wednesday (Jan 27), starting with pilots in Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar, where larger numbers of the elderly reside.

Between 5,000 and 10,000 seniors in each of the two housing estates will be invited to get vaccinated, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong during a press conference by the multi-ministry task force for Covid-19 on Friday (Jan 22).

 

[laksaboy]

Some information about the Covid vaccines