Covid-19 vaccine booster jabs extended to those aged 50 to 59: MOH

SINGAPORE — Starting from Oct 4, vaccine booster shots will be extended to individuals who are 50 to 59 years old and have completed two doses of the vaccination regime at least six months ago. 

Eligible persons will receive a text message by phone with a personalised booking link for their booster appointment, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on Friday (Sept 24).

It said that the decision to expand the booster programme is based on the recommendation of the expert committee on Covid-19 vaccination, which has been monitoring the data regarding the need for extra vaccine doses. 

MOH said that adults aged 50 to 59 have a higher risk of underlying comorbidities or medical conditions and therefore, a risk of severe illness as compared to younger persons. 

“Many would have completed the full regimen of their primary course of vaccination earlier in the year, their levels of protection could have decreased over time,” it added. 

The booster programme started on Sept 15 for those aged 60 and above and for residents of aged care facilities. 

As of Sept 23, almost 91,500 seniors had received their booster dose, with 56 per cent of seniors who have been invited for their booster dose having booked an appointment or having already received their booster dose, MOH added.

DOSAGE FOR MODERNA BOOSTER ADJUSTED

The ministry also said that the dosage that will be used for Moderna vaccine booster shots will be reduced to 50mcg, down from 100mcg.

This is because the expert committee has found that there is evidence that a 50mcg dosage is enough to boost immune response significantly.

There will be no change in dosage for the Pfizer-BioNTech or Comirnaty vaccine booster. 

Based on the committee’s recommendation and to ensure the efficient use of vaccines, vaccination sites carrying the Moderna vaccines will administer a dosage of 50mcg for booster doses from Saturday, MOH said. 

“There are no safety concerns in persons who have already received 100mcg of the Moderna vaccine for their booster dose. The 100mcg dose of the Moderna vaccine will continue to be used for the two dose primary series vaccination regimen, and three-dose enhanced primary series for immunocompromised persons.” 

Eligible individuals may receive the booster shot at any vaccination centre, polyclinic or participating Public Health Preparedness Clinic.