Medically Reviewed by Dr Welras Long (M.B.B.S, Singapore. MRCS, England)
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world in many ways, and vaccination is one of the most effective measures to control the spread of the virus. In Singapore, the national vaccination programme has successfully vaccinated a large percentage of the population, reducing severe illness and deaths.
However, many people still have questions about the vaccine, its safety, and its long-term effects. This article will address some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccination and help clarify any concerns you may have about receiving the vaccine.
What Is the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The COVID vaccination is designed to protect you from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the virus responsible for causing COVID-19. Several types of vaccines have been developed, using different technologies, including:
- mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna): These vaccines use messenger RNA to instruct cells to produce a harmless spike protein found on the virus’s surface, triggering an immune response.
- Inactivated virus vaccines (Sinovac, Sinopharm): These vaccines use a killed version of the virus to provoke an immune response without causing the disease.
- Viral vector vaccines (AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson): These use a modified version of a different virus to deliver genetic instructions to cells to produce the spike protein.
Each type of vaccine aims to stimulate your immune system to recognize and fight the virus if you are exposed in the future.
How Do the COVID-19 Vaccines Work?
COVID-19 vaccines help your body develop immunity to the virus without causing the disease itself. Once vaccinated, your immune system recognizes the virus and learns how to fight it. This process typically involves two steps:
- Immune System Activation: After receiving the vaccine, your body produces antibodies specific to the virus’s spike protein.
- Memory Response: If you are exposed to the virus in the future, your immune system will recognize it quickly and produce antibodies to fight the infection, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety and effectiveness. In Singapore, vaccines must be approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) before being administered to the public.
The approval process involves multiple phases of clinical trials, where tens of thousands of participants receive the vaccine to test for safety, efficacy, and potential side effects.
The vaccines in use today have been shown to be highly effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 and preventing hospitalization and death. While some side effects can occur, they are generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Pain or swelling at the injection site
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fever
These side effects are a sign that your body is building protection against the virus and usually resolve within a few days.
Are There Any Risks Associated with COVID-19 Vaccines?
Although serious side effects are rare, like any medical treatment, vaccines can have risks. Some of the more serious but uncommon side effects reported include:
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis): This is a very rare side effect and usually occurs within minutes after vaccination. Most vaccination centers in Singapore are equipped to manage such reactions, and individuals are monitored for 30 minutes post-vaccination.
- Myocarditis and pericarditis: Some cases of heart inflammation (myocarditis and pericarditis) have been reported, particularly among young males after receiving mRNA vaccines. These cases are rare and generally mild, with most individuals recovering fully.
It’s important to weigh the benefits of the COVID vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of severe illness or death from the virus, against the small risk of side effects. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns or pre-existing health conditions.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends that all eligible individuals, including children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, receive the COVID vaccination. Vaccination is particularly important for:
- Elderly individuals: Older adults are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.
- People with chronic health conditions: Those with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory illnesses are more likely to experience severe symptoms if they contract the virus.
- Frontline workers: Healthcare workers and others in high-exposure settings should be vaccinated to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus to vulnerable populations.
Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine If I’m Pregnant or Breastfeeding?
Yes, pregnant and breastfeeding women can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Studies have shown that mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) are safe for pregnant women and do not increase the risk of complications. In fact, vaccination provides important protection against COVID-19 for both the mother and the baby.
Breastfeeding women are also encouraged to get vaccinated, as the antibodies produced in response to the vaccine may be passed to the baby through breast milk, offering additional protection.
What Should I Do If I Miss My Second Dose?
For most COVID-19 vaccines, two doses are required for optimal protection, followed by a booster dose after a certain period. If you miss your second dose, it’s important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. The interval between doses may vary depending on the vaccine type, but delaying the second dose does not reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health allows individuals to reschedule their second dose within a specified timeframe. If you’re unsure about when to get your second dose or a booster, consult your health screening clinic for guidance.
What Are Booster Shots and Why Are They Important?
Booster shots are additional doses of the vaccine that help to reinforce your immune response after the initial two-dose series. Over time, the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease, and booster shots ensure continued protection against COVID-19, especially as new variants emerge.
In Singapore, booster shots are recommended for all individuals aged 18 and above, particularly for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The booster shot has been shown to provide significant protection against severe illness, especially with variants like Delta and Omicron.
Do I Need to Be Vaccinated If I Have Already Had COVID-19?
Yes, even if you have recovered from COVID-19, it is recommended that you get vaccinated. While natural immunity provides some protection, studies have shown that vaccination offers stronger and longer-lasting protection.
Getting vaccinated after recovering from COVID-19 can reduce the risk of reinfection and severe illness. In Singapore, individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are advised to get vaccinated at least three months after their recovery.
Where Can I Get Vaccinated?
In Singapore, the COVID-19 vaccination is available at various vaccination centers, polyclinics, and health screening clinics. You can check the Ministry of Health’s website for a list of approved vaccination locations. Most clinics offer both first and second doses, as well as booster shots.
Stay Protected with COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination is a key tool in protecting yourself and your loved ones from the virus. By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and contribute to the larger effort to control the spread of the virus.
If you have any questions or concerns about vaccination, consult with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision.
To schedule your COVID vaccination or learn more about the available vaccines in Singapore, visit Keystone Medical. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals is here to provide you with accurate information and personalized care.
References
Cdc.gov. 2024. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/faq.html
Nfid.org. Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines. https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/covid-19/covid-vaccine-faq/
Hopkinsmedicine.org. 2024. COVID-19 Vaccine: What You Need to Know. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know
Jhu.edu. Vaccines FAQ. https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/vaccines-faq