Covid19 Vaccination Process in Singapore: What to expect

 

Have you taken your Covid19 vaccine?

Current the vaccination slots have opened up for those age 45 and above. In June, this will be open up to those below 45. Given that community cases are back at the forefront in Singapore, most locals would be looking to be vaccinated to prevent any serious fallouts from infection. Interestingly, vaccinations do not mean immunity, as the local cases have numerous fully vaccinated who were infected. However, vaccination would mean that the infection would not be as severe as in cases where one is not vaccinated. 

Here is a timeline of what happens when you take vaccination

1 Register your interest 

Source: MOH

When the time arrived for vaccinations, you could register at this link.

Do lookout for an announcement on registration. Currently, the invitation is out for Singaporeans and long term residents age 45 and above.

Note the following

You should NOT get vaccinated if you had anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction to a prior dose or any ingredients in this vaccine.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phospho

choline, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

You should NOT get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine if you are under 16 years of, pregnant, have a history of anaphylaxis to other medications, vaccines, insect stings or food. 

Do consult your doctor for advice if in doubt.

2 Book your appointment

When your turn is scheduled, you would receive an SMS inviting you to book an appointment. Use the link provided to select your preferred vaccination centre and dates. At of this moment, you can opt for either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna as the availability is according to location.

You have 14 days after the message to book for the priority queue. After 14 days, you would have to re-register again if you have not booked your appointment.

3 Vaccination Day

On the day of the vaccination, do keep the following on hand

IC - You need a copy of IC,

Medical records- Ensure your medication records, especially allergies and current medications are known. 

There is no need to fast before the vaccine.

It is a simple 4 step approach to vaccination 

Queue-Register- Vaccination- Observation (30Mins)

Waiting time is about 15-30 mins from registration to dosage.

The vaccination was quick and painless.

After dose, it will be another 30 mins of observation. If there are any side effects, the staff will attend to you at the vaccination centre.

4 After vaccination

Self-monitor for any possible side effects. Side effects are known to appear within 24 hours of the vaccination. Studies had shown that side effects are more common for the 2nd dosage. 

Side Effects

Pain, Redness, swelling, fever , chills, muscle pain, headaches - Manage with Paracetamol 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed. 

See a doctor if fever persists for more than 48 hours or side effects persist or worsen. For severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Call 995 or go to the nearest A & E immediately.

Other advice

Reduce rigorous exercises for the next 12-24 hours after vaccination.

Avoid drinking alcohol for 12 -24 hours after vaccination.

Avoid taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain or fever after vaccination ( include ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac.

 Your second and final dose will be due in 21 days.