Singapore to receive Novavax vaccine by end-2021; Sinovac vaccine evaluation to be completed before month-end

[The_King]

SINGAPORE expects to receive delivery of the Novavax vaccine by the end of the year, said Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary in Parliament on Monday, adding that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) will complete its evaluation of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine before the end of August.

The Ministry of Health and HSA are working closely with Novavax to facilitate the regulatory submission for the protein subunit vaccine noted Dr Janil, adding that the review timeline will depend on the availability and submission of data by the company to HSA.

"While we recognise the need to facilitate timely access to the vaccine, there should be no compromise on the scientific rigour of the assessment of their quality, safety and efficacy," he said.

Dr Janil also said that individuals who have received one dose of an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine but are unable to receive the second dose due to allergic reactions have been invited to take the Sinovac vaccine.

 

The ministry has established a dedicated public health programme for them to be vaccinated at a clinic in public hospitals for closer monitoring, considering their previous allergic reaction, he said.

 

Individuals who receive one dose of the mRNA vaccine and then complete the vaccination process with Sinovac will be considered as fully vaccinated.

As at July 31, 61 per cent of the population has completed the full vaccination regimen. Almost eight in 10 (79 per cent) of seniors aged 70 and above have been vaccinated with at least one dose. Each day, about 1,000 seniors sign up for their first dose.

On the flip side, more than 96,000 or 21 per cent of this group of seniors have not booked a vaccination appointment. This is six percentage points more than the general population.

Dr Janil said continued efforts are underway to reach out to these seniors. Staff and volunteers from People's Association and Silver Generation Office have intensified their outreach efforts, through house visits and engagement dialogues.

The mobile vaccination teams have also started to provide bed-bound and less mobile seniors with vaccinations in their homes or in the heartlands. This service has started in a few towns with a higher proportion of seniors, and complements the main vaccination efforts at the vaccination centres, all of which are wheelchair accessible.

Finally, for short-term pass holders, Dr Janil said the government is reviewing how such pass holders, such as those who are more vulnerable and who may have been in Singapore on an extended basis due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, may receive vaccinations under the national vaccination programme. More details will be announced at a later date.

 

 

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-to-receive-novavax-vaccine-by-end-2021-sinovac-vaccine-evaluation-to-be