Got COVID? Don’t Skip the Booster—Health Minister Sets the Record Straight
Ong Ye Kung’s Quick Take from the Mobile Vaccination Hub
During a lively tour of a mobile vaccination centre in Nee Soon Central, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung reminded Singapore citizens that a prior COVID‑19 infection doesn’t exempt them from the booster shot. “Even if you’ve fought the virus before, the best defence is still the vaccine,” he said.
Why the Booster Still Matters
- Previous infection offers protection, but the virus can evolve.
- Boosters keep the immune system sharp and ready.
- Mobile centres help everyone catch up, no matter where you’re living.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered on Spot
- Do you have to get the booster if you’ve already had COVID‑19?
- Who qualifies for the next dose of the vaccine?
- How many booster rounds are recommended?
- What happens if you get infected again later?
- Will the situation stabilize in the long run?
Ong emphasized that every citizen should consider getting the booster, especially those who haven’t received a dose yet. “Talk to your healthcare provider about the best timing for you,” he added. The minister’s message underlines that staying current with vaccinations is a simple but powerful way to stay protected, no matter what the virus throws your way.
Q: Should I still take a Covid-19 booster jab even after I get infected?
Should You Skip the Vaccine After Getting Sick?
Think you’re already protected after a COVID‑19 bout? Well, it’s not that simple. Doctor Mr. Ong has a clear verdict: you’re still fully recommended to get your jab.
Why The Virus Isn’t Your “All‑You‑Need” Ticket
- Differing Immune Responses: Some people’s bodies crank out a strong defense when they get infected, but others… hmm maybe not.
- Consistency Matters: Vaccines give you the same high‑quality shield every time—no surprise variations.
Timing Is Key
Got the virus recently? Here’s what Mr. Ong says:
- Hold off for 90 days. Give your immune system time to finish the cleanup.
- If you’re itching to boost your protection, wait at least 28 days, but the real payoff comes after 90 days.
Bottom line: the vaccine still works best as a standalone defense, even after you’ve battled the virus. So, snag that booster—just plan it wisely.
Q: People in their 50s and 60s have been offered the second booster shot. If I am within that age group, should I take it?
Boosting the 50‑Plus Crowd: Why a Second Shot Still Matters
Public health experts are still bringing the good news: taking that second booster keeps the risk of serious disease and hospital stays low for folks in their 50s and 60s—almost a year after the first dose.
What the Officials Are Saying
“We’re not telling everyone to rush in,” says Mr. Ong, a spokesperson at the health agency. “Instead, we’re simply offering the shots to anyone who wants them.”
The logic? Some people might feel extra protective when they share their home with grandparents, plan upcoming trips, or deal with chronic conditions that make them extra worried.
“If you find yourself in one of those situations, the best move is to head to a vaccination site,” Mr. Ong encourages. “You know your situation better than we do, so when you see the need, just walk in and get the shot.”
New Age Group Added to the Boosters Program
- Starting June 10, people aged 50‑59 are now also being offered a second booster, alongside the older seniors.
Why This Matters
The extra shot doesn’t just protect you from getting badly sick; it helps keep hospitals from getting overcrowded. That benefit is huge especially if you’re living with loved ones or traveling across the island.
What to Do Next?
Keep an eye on the local mobile vaccination sites—up to 50 are set to open across the island, making it easier to get a booster right where you’re at.
Q: Do I have to change the type of vaccine when I go for my booster jab?
Keep Calm & Get the Right Shot—Novavax For the Cautious
“All the vaccines are great—no reason to churn out a new one, Mr Ong says,” he adds. Yet he’s quick to point out that some folks, especially our seniors, get a little uneasy about mRNA shots. If you’ve had a sneaky reaction after the 2nd or 3rd dose or have a snug‑fit condition, there’s a solid alternative: Novavax. This protein‑based booster is as high‑jumping in efficacy as any mRNA candidate—and it’s built on a more traditional tech route.
Novavax‑Nuvaxovid: The Non‑mRNA Maverick
- Approved for anyone 18 + in the country.
- First non‑mRNA vaccine green‑lit as a booster dose.
- Made under the brand name Nuvaxovid.
How Does It Work?
mRNA vaccines (think Pfizer‑BioNTech Comirnaty and Moderna) hand the body a snippet of the virus’s blueprint. Your cells read it, start making the virus’s hallmark protein, and your immune system learns to recognize and fight it — long‑term immune memory style.
Protein‑based shots, on the other hand, give you a bite‑size piece of the actual protein that the virus uses to strut into human cells. Once inoculated, your body’s guardrails spot it as foreign and launch antibody production. That’s exactly what Nuvaxovid does with the spike protein, training your immune system to keep the virus at bay.
Voila!
So if you’re worried about the usual mRNA buzz, switch gears to Novavax—an old‑school yet highly effective booster that’s already cleared the legal test for adults. Time to keep you, your loved ones, and the community safe, with less fancy tech and more traditional flair.
— Original story from The Straits Times. Copyright, permission required to reproduce.
