Sinovac vaccine and allergies to mRNA vaccine

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Dr Tan Wu Meng
MP for Jurong GRC

Question No. 1087

To ask the Minister for Health (a) to date, how many Singaporeans are assessed to have allergic reactions to the first dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine; (b) whether there is data on the current number of these Singaporeans who have registered for the Sinovac vaccine and the average waiting time before receiving the first dose; and (c) whether the Ministry can facilitate a subsidised referral to an allergy specialist for these Singaporeans seeking a reassessment of their allergy status in order to receive the second dose of a mRNA vaccine.

Written Answer

About 7,100 individuals were assessed to have allergic reactions to the first dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and have been invited to complete their vaccination with two more doses of the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine.

3,900 individuals have indicated interest, and will receive the vaccination at four public hospital clinics for closer monitoring given their reaction to the mRNA vaccine. The wait time between registering with the public hospital clinics for vaccination and receiving a first dose of vaccine is between 2 and 4 weeks. MOH is increasing capacity so that individuals can receive their vaccinations sooner.

Individuals who have allergic reactions from their first dose of mRNA vaccine are advised not to take the second dose of the mRNA vaccine. However, if they wish to seek a reassessment of their suitability for the second dose of mRNA vaccine, they may provide a supporting memo from any medical provider at their own cost. If the attending doctor at the vaccination provider agrees with the assessment, the individual may proceed with the second dose of mRNA vaccine.