SINGAPORE – The nation’s Covid-19 vaccination drive has been brought forward for all seniors, and will also be extended to more high-risk groups and essential workers, including teachers, postmen and migrant workers.
This is possible because more supplies of the vaccine have arrived, said the Health Ministry on Monday (March 8).
As at Sunday (March 7), more than 596,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered.
In total, about 379,000 individuals in Singapore have received at least the first dose; of whom more than 217,000 have received their second dose, the MOH said.
The ministry had earlier announced that seniors aged 60 to 69 would get their first dose around the end of March.
However, it said on Monday that all seniors in this age group will now get their invitation letters within the next few days.
Each letter will have a weblink which can be used to register for vaccination, after which an SMS with a unique booking link will be sent to the senior’s mobile phone for them to book a vaccination appointment.
Seniors can also book their appointments for vaccination at any community centre or community club.
So far, over 55,000 seniors aged 70 and up have received their first dose of the vaccine, while another 96,000 seniors have made appointments to receive their first dose in the next few weeks.
The MOH also said that the vaccine programme will continue to be extended to other higher-risk groups, as well as essential front-line workers of critical importance to Singapore, including those who could pose risks to vulnerable populations and the community at large if they are infected.
Essential personnel in critical functions
So far, the Government has been offering vaccinations to personnel who provide essential services, including security agencies; those in the utilities industry such as water, energy and telecommunications service providers; and workers who ensure the supply of essential food and household items.
As more vaccine stocks arrive, however, this will be extended to essential personnel involved in other critical functions, such as postmen and delivery staff as well as news reporters and bank operation staff engaged in critical banking and financial systems operations.
Essential workers with higher risk of exposure and onward transmission
Vaccination had also earlier been offered to groups who are at higher risk of exposure, such as active taxi and private-hire car drivers who might have ferried infected passengers.
Going forward, vaccination will be extended to those who have multiple touch points with many members of the community.
These include those who work in hawker centres and markets, such as stallholders and stall assistants, as well as those who serve in the food delivery industry.
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Singapore will also begin vaccinating educators and staff who come into prolonged contact with children and young people, starting with those working in pre-schools, national schools, the Institute of Technical Education and polytechnics.
This will be progressively extended to those working in other education institutions, said the MOH.
“As the current vaccines are not yet certified for those below the age of 16, the vaccination for educators and adult staff will help to protect them and their students, and ensure that our schools and education institutions remain safe places for learning,” it said.
Eligible individuals will be informed of the vaccination schedule by the relevant government agencies and will receive a personalised SMS from the MOH notifying them to book their vaccination appointments at vaccine.gov.sg.
Covid-19 vaccination will be available at all vaccination centres and polyclinics, and selected Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs).
Migrant workers in dormitories
The MOH noted that migrant worker dormitories are another potential source of large Covid-19 clusters, which could then transmit the virus to the local community.
“Vaccination of migrant workers living in dormitories is thus part of our national Covid-19 vaccination strategy to protect all Singaporeans and long-term residents,” the ministry said.
Vaccination for these workers will start with 10,000 workers who have never been infected by Covid-19 and are living in the five largest dormitories.
This round of vaccination will be carried out within these dormitories.
Vaccination will then be progressively made available to other migrant workers.
Workers who have completed vaccination can have a lower frequency of testing, with testing occurring every 28 days instead of the current 14-day cycle, said the MOH.
Goods delivery workers
Singapore’s Fresh Take on COVID‑19 for Cargo Drivers
Why the wheels are turning faster than ever
In a move that’s got everyone on their toes, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has rolled out a new strategy to keep the lifelines sealed. The plan? Offer COVID‑19 shots to the cargo crew passing from Malaysia to Singapore later this month.
What’s on the plate for the essential supply team?
- Who gets the jab? Trade and Industry will ping each eligible driver and crew member with a custom text message – that’ll tell them if they’re in, and then arrange an appointment for their vaccination.
- Where will it happen? Designated centres across Singapore will be the venues for the pop‑ups. No more dial‑and‑wait.
- What if you skip the shot? Unvaccinated folks can still cross the border, but they’ll have to juggle the usual safety gear – arrival tests, self‑isolation protocols, and other laid‑down measures.
Behind the scenes: The MOH’s motivation
“A vaccination adds an extra shield for these essential workers, ensuring that the goods keep flowing without a hitch,” said a MOH spokesperson. It’s all about continuity – if the trucks keep rolling, the cupboards stay stocked.
Beyond the cargo road: Where the plan goes next
By April, they’re eyeing the next wave of groups for the same treatment. The message from the Ministry is clear: the jab is voluntary but strongly encouraged for anyone in the local community who can get it.
“A vaccinated society is our best defence. That’s the way we look after each other and keep the sickness at bay,” the ministry added.
Where to stay tuned for updates
To catch the latest on the coronavirus front, keep visiting the official health portal. We’ll keep you posted on the noodle‑spinning updates and any new safety measures that ride along with the vaccine rollout.
Original article sourced from The Straits Times – reproduction requires permission.
