7 more clinics to administer Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine, bringing total to 31: MOH

• Seven more private healthcare providers have been approved to administer the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine
• They are in addition to 24 clinics approved to do so previously
• The seven clinics will not take new appointments from the public, but will help clear appointments from the other 24 clinics

SINGAPORE — Seven more private healthcare institutions have been selected to administer the Government’s stock of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine, though they will not be able to take new appointments from members of the public.

Instead, the seven clinics will assist in clearing the appointment lists from the existing 24 clinics that have already been administering the Sinovac vaccine.

In a news release on Friday (July 2), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the 31 clinics could offer the Sinovac vaccine under the Special Access Route to citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders who opt for it.

MOH said that since June 18, the initial 24 clinics have been giving the Sinovac vaccine “in a cautious manner and managing the number of vaccines they administer on a daily basis”.

“Some of the group clinics in the current list of providers are now ready to ramp up their services to help improve the wait times for individuals on the clinics’ appointment lists. MOH has thus activated another seven clinics to provide the Sinovac vaccine.” 

For people who had been rejected from taking the approved Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines under the national vaccination exercise, or those who are allergic to these vaccines, the Government will reimburse them the fees if they decide to take the Sinovac vaccine.

In its latest release, MOH said that to avoid queues, members of the public should call the clinic or go online to book an appointment before heading down to get vaccinated. Those who do not have a prior appointment will be turned away.

When the initial 24 clinics were announced earlier this month, those keen to get the Sinovac vaccine formed long queues at these clinics.

“Individuals are also reminded not to crowd outside the clinics and that safe distancing measures should be adhered to at all times,” MOH said.

The ministry stressed that those who opt for the Sinovac vaccine will not be covered under the vaccine injury financial assistance programme because it remains unregistered and has not undergone a full evaluation for its safety and efficacy.

MOH reminds the public that those who want to receive the Sinovac vaccine should discuss its risks and benefits with their doctors at these clinics and “jointly make an informed decision”.

It reiterated that there is insufficient international data so far on the effectiveness of the Sinovac vaccine against the Delta variant of the coronavirus. This is why pre-event testing will continue to be needed for people who were vaccinated with the Sinovac vaccine.

MOH now grants vaccine privileges — such as exemption from pre-event testing — to those vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. The two are part of Singapore’s national vaccination programme. 

“This is because there is ample data and studies that show that these individuals pose lower risk of being infected and hence, lower risk of transmitting the Covid-19 virus, including the more contagious Delta variant,” it said.

“As the Delta variant becomes more dominant around the world and more data becomes available, we will make an objective assessment and review whether individuals who have received (the Special Access Route) vaccines can also be exempted from pre-event testing.”

The ministry plans to add other non-mRNA vaccines to the national vaccination programme before the end of the year, subject to supply and regulatory approval.

“More details will be provided at a later date. If approved under our national programme, those inoculated with these vaccines will similarly be exempted from pre-event testing.

“We urge individuals to consider their options carefully, consult their doctors if they have concerns on the vaccine and be vaccinated to better protect themselves, their family and society.”