The Late Vaccine Chronicle
At 80, Ms Sylvia Teo had a handful of medical concerns, but her doctor finally cleared her to get vaccinated back in May.
She didn’t feel it was urgent – and neither did her family.
Earlier this year, they arranged a vaccination session at her Ang Mo Kio flat, but the jab never arrived.
She tested positive for Covid‑19 on July 23 and, sadly, died from the complications just days before her first scheduled immunisation.
Timeline of Events
- May: Doctor approves vaccination; Ms Teo remains non‑committal.
- Late last month: Family sets up a local jab at her flat.
- July 23: Positive Covid test.
- Days after: She passes away from Covid‑19 complications.
In the weeks leading up to her death, she’d been winced‑ing at every new Covid fatality, each one a stark reminder of her mother‑in‑law, Madam Tan.
Close to home
When Covid‑19 Comes Knocking on Your Doorstep
Ms Teo, a 47‑year‑old housewife, shares how her family lost a beloved matriarch.
The Unexpected Twist
Speaking to The New Paper yesterday, Ms Teo reflected, “Never once did I think it would hit so close to home, and that we would lose a family member to Covid‑19.”
She goes on to say how regret stirred in her after her mother‑in‑law missed out on the vaccine.
- In May, when eligibility opened, she nudged her mother‑in‑law to get vaccinated.
- Her mother‑in‑law complained of aches and balked at the idea of a jab, fearing the classic “arm ache” side‑effect.
- It turns out Ms Teo feels they didn’t push hard enough.
Madam Tan’s Health History
- Three sons and a daughter.
- Diabetes, hypertension and a heart condition—atrial fibrillation—causing an irregular beat.
From Cough to Hospital Admission
On July 21, Madam Tan started coughing. Two days later she was in the hospital with a positive Covid test. Initially, she seemed stable. The doctors and her caregivers expected a gradual recovery.
Visiting Her on August 6
Ms Teo writes, “My husband and I were hopeful that she would recover.” Even though they had to settle for a face‑to‑face view through glass and an intercom, she was responsive enough to gesture toward us.
Turning Point on August 7
That afternoon, the couple planned another visit—until a phone call from the doctor at 9:20 am rattled the room. The doctor informed them that her oxygen levels had dipped, and her condition had suddenly worsened.
Within ten minutes, another call—smaller in tone—skipped the surreal “you’ve lost the fight.” It delivered the gut‑shattering news that Madam Tan had passed away.
In the end, grief, regret, and lightning‑fast reality remind us that Covid‑19 doesn’t distinguish between ages, professions, or backgrounds.
Market cluster
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Madam Tan’s Sudden Covid‑19 Loss at Chong Boon Market
On July 7, Madam Tan and her daughter visited the bustling Chong Boon Market and Food Centre. They later contracted Covid‑19, and the market quickly buzzed with news as it was linked to the high‑traffic Jurong Fishery Port cluster, which has already recorded 1,151 cases.
The Family Story
- Madam Tan’s daughter – fully vaccinated – endured only mild symptoms and is now fully recovered.
- Her husband died more than 30 years ago under Paul’s kind care. At the time of this tragedy, she lived together with her eldest son.
- The funeral was held on Wednesday, and Ms Teo expressed that everything proceeded smoothly, a slight relief in a chaotic time.
Heartfelt Gratitude Toward the Healthcare Heroes
Ms Teo sent a sincere message of thanks to the team at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases:
“I cannot thank the doctors, nurses and social workers at the NCID enough for looking after my mother‑in‑law over the past few weeks. They did so much and we really appreciate them,” she said.
A Refresher on Covid‑19 Vigilance
- “We now know that Covid‑19 is a very real thing.” – Ms Teo, urging others to get vaccinated.
- “When cases are reported each day, people may see them as just numbers. But they are not, and that is why we should always be on high alert.”
- She admitted her regret: “We could have just insisted and taken my mother‑in‑law to a vaccination centre to get her jabbed immediately. But we did not see the urgency.”
Remembering the Loss
The family is still coming to terms with Madam Tan’s sudden death, and this tragedy stands as a stark reminder that complacency during a pandemic can be extremely dangerous.
Source
This article was first published in The New Paper. Permission is required for reproduction.
