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Josle’s Big Leap from “Skeptic” to “Vaccinated Hero”
Imagine you’re 56, juggling diabetes and a slew of annoyances, and the thought of a Covid‑19 jab feels like a wild animal. That was Josle Johari, a retired security guard who had been dragging his feet with vaccination.
When the Rules Changed
On October 9, the government rolled out a new rule: no dining‑in for the unvaccinated. That meant no hawker stalls, no coffee shops, no malls—oops!
Josle, who lives in Boon Lay, found his lunchtime favourite suddenly off limits.
“I was worried the shot would give me side effects, but my family and friends got vaccinated. I also love lunch at hawker centres, but the new rules mean I can’t,” he told The Straits Times.
Turning the Tamenable into the Vaccinated
On Tuesday, he strutted into Taman Jurong Community Club to receive the first dose of the Pfizer‑BioNTech vaccine. “I’m eager to be fully vaccinated so I can keep eating out,” he laughed.
The Surge of Volunteers
Healthcare clinics saw a rush of people after the announcement. They’re expecting not just first‑time shots but also boosters, with clinics reporting a 20–30% bump in appointments.
- Raffles Medical Group sees a 20% increase.
- Fullerton Health reports a 30% rise.
- Healthway Medical Group notes a “significant increase” in booster bookings.
Why Some Get Pressed for the Shot
Besides eating in, the new rule touches travel. The Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) gives Singaporeans a ticket to 11 countries without a 14‑day quarantine. Josle was not alone—an ex‑American nurse, fresh from the workforce, hopped into a shot just to fly back to her family.
“I only got the jab because I want to travel without quarantine and I haven’t seen my family in two years,” the 35‑year‑old said.
Final Thoughts
With the numbers spiralling—3,000 daily cases a day—Singapore tightened restrictions, limiting dining to two fully vaccinated people per group. This shift has turned the decision into a lifeline for many.
Therefore, the next time you’re debating the vaccine, remember: the downside may be small; the upside? A hookah‑free lunch and a passport‑ready trip to the U.S. or beyond.
COVID‑19 Booster Bonanza: Singapore’s Vaccination Surge
Why the Clinic Doors are Open Wide
On October 12, the front lines at the Taman Jurong Community Club were buzzing, as people lined up for the latest dose of the COVID‑19 vaccine. Chief executive Ms Chan Wei Ling of Thomson Medical observed a sharp uptick in both appointments and walk‑ins across their three centres—a comforting sign that the public is taking the boosters seriously.
Who’s Getting a Second Shot?
- Front‑line heroes and healthcare workers have priority.
- Anyone aged 30 and above is invited for the booster.
- Senior citizens (60+ & 50–59) already had access starting 15 Sept and 3 Oct, respectively.
Clinic Take‑Away: The Outram Clinic Story
In Outram’s Tenteram Clinic, all 120 slots for the rest of the week were snapped up. Dr Dale Lim, the family doctor, whispered, “We’re looking at a 30% spike in visits since Saturday—most for boosters.” He flagged that veterans in their 60s and 70s dominated the line, convinced that an extra jab is a safety net against a community surge.
Dr Lim also noted that, for the first time in weeks, people queued to start their vaccination journey. “Four brave souls came in on Tuesday for their first dose, probably finally deciding to take the plunge after Saturday’s announcements,” he chuckled.
More Voices from the Frontline
At the Tampines Family Medicine Clinic, Dr Aziz Noordin heard a flood of calls since last Saturday. He’s predicting even more patients heading in for vaccinations. “People are eager to feel the benefits—like traveling overseas or simply enjoying a carefree dinner without restrictions.” He added, “Inquiries about boosters rose by about 5–10%—that’s a real boost, folks!”
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong also stepped into the conversation: “The booster cuts the risk of severe illness by over tenfold for our seniors.” That ministerial endorsement seems to have lit a fire.
Boosters on the Rising Track
Northeast Medical Group’s Tampines clinic sees appointments doubling compared to last week. Chief executive Tan Teck Jack said people are scared of catching the COVID‑19 bug and, honestly, they trust the vaccine. “It’s about the safety net we can all rely on when almost everyone else has already gotten inoculated.”
Personal Stories: The Everyday Booster Top‑ups
- Madam Yap Lay Ching (59, part‑time cleaner at a quarantine facility) rushed for her booster: “At least if I get the virus, I’ll be less ill. I work with a bunch of potentially infected folks, so safety is paramount.”
- Taxi driver Law Poh Khoon (67) got his shot at Kebun Baru Community Club: “We meet all kinds of people; we don’t know who’s infected. Vaccines give me a solid shield.”
From certified doctors to everyday folks, the Singaporean nation is lining up for the second dose, turning a stray vaccine line into a communal line of optimism and safety—a story that underscores how the nation’s collective courage is once again being bolstered by a little injection.
Spontaneous Shots: A Day of Unexpected Moves at the Kebun Baru Vaccination Hub
On the afternoon of 12 October 2021, the Kebun Baru Community Club “turned into a pop‑up pharmacy” as locals rushed in for the long‑awaited vaccine. The scene was captured by the Straits Times, thanks to photographer Kevin Lim.
Meet Lim Ting San – the 57‑year‑old Taxi King
- Got a text invite‑no‑time‑to‑lose. He swiped it open the day before.
- While roaring down Yew Tee, he noticed the center wasn’t packed. “Why not just stroll in?” he thought.
- The jab is free, so he filled the carrier of his worries with a shot.
- He’s a Pfizer pastry‑connoisseur for two rounds so far. This time he opted for Moderna – “Just mix it up, kid!” he joked.
Retiree Yau Yah Kiang – 74, Former F&B Star
- Back in the day, she’d been whipping up feasts. Now she’s busy whipping up immunity.
- “I’m doing this to protect myself – you only lose if you skip the shot,” she says, all resolve and a sprinkle of humor.
- The government’s stamp of approval? “We’re all allowed to guard ourselves.”
- Even our political giants are on the front lines – they’ve got that extra stake to invest in health.
Why It Matters
When a community comes together for a simple injection, it’s more than just a health update – it’s a collective heart‑beat. Illustrated by the quick, spontaneous actions of the taxi crew and the retirees, the message is clear: Get jabbed, stay safe, and keep the fun rolling.
The Spitfire of a vaccination push at Kebun Baru is a legend in the making – the driving force behind why we’re all better off with a little shot in the arm.
Retiree’s Post‑Booster Chill Session
Meet Yau Yah Kiang
- Age: 73
- Occupation: Retired teacher
- Where: Yew Tee Community Club
- When: October 12, 2021
Picture this: a sunny day at the Yew Tee Community Club, a bustling hub of community activity. Amid the chatter, Retiree Yau Yah Kiang waits patiently in the observation zone after getting his booster jab. It’s the same scene that makes you think of a sitcom – a retiree, a little wiser, a little more relaxed, and a lot more patient.
What Happens After the Shot?
After the injection, the clinic’s guidelines had one simple rule: stay in the observation zone for 15‑20 minutes. The goal? Check for any instant side effects, and give Yau a chance to mingle with fellow visitors or simply soak in the community vibe.
Why the Observation Zone?
It’s COVID‑19, after all. The observation zone acts like a safety net, ensuring folks feel safe right after the booster. Think of it like that 24/7 helpline for health, but instead of phoning, you’re simply sitting, sipping tea, and watching your watch tick.
Community Club Spirit
The club staff, ever‑ready, set up comfy chairs, cool water, and a schedule that lets you keep a watchful yet relaxed eye on the clock. Yau, with his silver hair and a warm smile, laughed to himself, saying, “I’ve had enough coffee to keep awake for the next decade!
What We Learned
This tiny snapshot reminds us that vaccination isn’t just a medical event. It’s a shared experience that brings people together, thanks to humble community spaces and the patience of everyday heroes like Yau.
In a world that often feels rushed, Yau’s observation zone pause tells us to slow down, breathe, and keep safe.
