There is good news for those waiting to get their second Covid jab. You can now opt to get it earlier!
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that from Wednesday (June 30), the minimum interval between the first and second doses of the vaccine will be shortened.
Instead of six to eight weeks, the interval will now be four weeks for both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. With this initiative, the government hopes that reducing the time will ensure that more people are fully vaccinated earlier.
Second Covid Jab: Gap Between Two Doses Reduced To 4 Weeks
Image courtesy: Pixabay
The MOH statement also added that all eligible citizens who make their vaccination appointments from June 29, will be able to schedule their first and second dose appointments four weeks apart.
Those who have already got their first dose and their second dose appointment has been scheduled six to eight weeks later, can also rebook and bring forward their second covid jab date to four weeks from their first dose appointment.
The decision to reduce the interval between the first and the second jab came earlier than expected from the Ministry, as reported by The Straits Times.
Last week, Minister of Health Mr Ong Ye Kung said that most of the Singapore population will get their first dose by the second half of July – if the vaccine supplies continue to arrive as planned.
Post that MOH will work to reduce the interval between the first and the second COVID jab.
Option to reduce interval was first flagged by a Reddit user
Incidentally, the option to shorten the intervals between the two jabs was first flagged by a user on Reddit on Tuesday morning (June 29). After seeing the post, many people moved forward with the dates of the second jab.
Two Jabs Offer More Protection Against Delta Variant
Image courtesy: Pixabay
Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious diseases specialist stressed the need for citizens to take the two Covid vaccine doses as quickly as possible. Especially keeping in mind the risk of falling sick between the first and the second dose.
He further highlighted that completing one of the two doses will provide only 30 percent protection against the Delta variant. Whereas, it can offer around 88 percent protection after both doses. For the unaware, the Delta variant, or B.1.617.2, has been largely responsible for driving the second wave of coronavirus infections.
Read: Why The New COVID-19 Strain Is Attacking Children: What Parents Must Know
Delta Plus variant has been listed as a variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). One that can only be overpowered by the vaccines. So in order to keep yourself protected and your loved ones safe, get vaccinated at the earliest.
Now, if you’re thinking of preponing your second jab, here’s how you can do it too.
Steps To Change Your Second Covid Jab Booking
- Login at appointment.vaccine.gov.sg
- You will need your booking code and NRIC ID to login
- You can also call the MOH Emergency Line at 1800 333 9999 for any assistance related to booking.
Just a reminder: FDA has authorised the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for use in adolescents aged 12 to 15 in Singapore. Moderna, on the other hand, is only authorised for use in people 18 and above. So, do take note of the same while booking your slot.
At a time when Singapore is opening up, it is important to follow the COVID guidelines properly. You can’t afford to let your guard down. Wear your masks, avoid crowds, and don’t believe in rumours.
News source: The Straits Times
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