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3 suggestions to make Covid-19 vaccination centres more accessible to those with mobility issues

The Ministry of Health has set up Covid-19 vaccination centres in community clubs and other facilities across Singapore.

The first day of Covid-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 70 and above at Tanjong Pagar Community Centre on Jan 27, 2021.

The first day of Covid-19 vaccinations for seniors aged 70 and above at Tanjong Pagar Community Centre on Jan 27, 2021.

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Rachel Tan Wee Cho

The Ministry of Health has set up Covid-19 vaccination centres in community clubs and other facilities across Singapore.

However, based on my family’s experience, not all community clubs are accessible to motorists who need to drop off wheelchair users getting their vaccines.

One such example is Bukit Timah Community Club at Toh Yi Drive.

It is the vaccination centre nearest to my home and would be the most convenient for us to send my 96-year-old father for his first vaccination shot on Sunday (Feb 28).

However, as my family observed that there is no public car park at the community club and cars are not allowed in, we decided to drive him to the vaccination centre at the former Hong Kah Secondary School in Jurong West Street 42, thinking that its carpark would be opened to those going for their jabs.

Upon arrival, we were denied entry to the school carpark due to security reasons.

With the assistance of a helpful security guard, we managed to get my father to disembark safely at the main gate before I pushed him in via a pavement.

At the vaccination centre, we were told that there was no express or priority lane for immobile senior citizens.

We also noticed that those queuing up for registration have to navigate a snaking barricade system that would be a challenge for most wheelchair users.

Thankfully, there was no queue when we were there on Sunday.

When we left, an officer kindly guided us to a side exit as it was nearer to the public carpark where we had parked.

We were glad it was not raining that day or it would have been even more challenging for us to get my father to the carpark.

We are aware that vaccination shots are available at polyclinics and selected general practitioner clinics, to provide convenience to some seniors who may visit these places for their regular medical check-ups.

These facilities are wheelchair accessible.

The authorities have also said that it will set up mobile vaccination teams to deliver vaccines to those who may find it challenging to visit a vaccination site in-person.

These are laudable initiatives.

However, there will be some families who may not be aware of such options or others like ours who would still prefer to go to the vaccination centres for privacy or other reasons.

I would like to offer the following suggestions to the authorities:

  1. Make information on the nearest carpark to every vaccination centre readily available. This will be helpful to wheelchair users and their families in planning where they can embark or disembark safely, rain or shine

  2. Consider allowing special drop-off areas at these vaccination centres where feasible for those with mobility issues

  3. Ensure there are express or priority lanes for invalid or immobile persons at every vaccination centre

These will make it more convenient for those with mobility issues to get vaccinated and help boost vaccination take-up rates.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

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Covid-19 coronavirus elderly vaccination

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