Things to take note when you go for your Covid Vaccination

[therock]

You can choose to go to a registered GP instead of the polyclinic 

if you miss your appointment? Not sure 🤔 

probably get it done ASAP..

[CremornePt]

2 hours ago, therock said:

Pfizer for the win:

These documented results really are outstanding.

Clearly the mRNA vaccines have amazing potential.

Looks like modern science will indeed save us from COVID.

[Adrianli]

20 hours ago, Watwheels said:

Will the vaccination record be reflected in the Singpass app? 

Nope. It is in the HealthHub app.

[therock]

Sent seniors for jab today at a GP

all 22 clinics need to be verified and have resuscitation gear

pretty quick and there’s social distancing 

but go near the end because you’ll need to wait there for half an hour

there’s a clinic at Mei Ling street 

good dim sum next door 🤤 

and the mee pok in the market has springy fish balls 👍 

[therock]

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vaccines-will-not-alter-a-persons-dna-and-are-safe-expert-affirms-in-panel-discussion

 

Quote

Dr Alvin Tan, a resident doctor from the Communicable Diseases Division in the Ministry of Health (MOH), dismissed as untrue reports and social media posts claiming that some Covid-19 vaccines can affect a person's DNA.

"People spread (the idea) that the mRNA vaccines can alter your DNA. This is not true," said Dr Tan, referring to Singapore's approved vaccines by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

"Based on the science of how it works, there's actually no modification of your DNA. Essentially, it's just your body building an immune response."

The two vaccines work by injecting fragments of the virus' genetic material, training the body to recognise a key part of the virus, thus building immunity. This is done without exposing the patient to the whole virus.

 

[Tohto]

My daughter just had her 2nd jab. This time wait for 2.5hrs to get the jab. Many are complaining as already reserved a time slot and still need to wait for so long.  Poorly managed with more people. 

Is like over book.

Edited February 27, 2021 by Tohto

[Kxbc]

Accompanied my father to take his jab at bishan today. My goodness, reached there 10 min before his slot and there was like 30 pax in front of him. And all of them are in the same time slot. 

Queueing, registration and the injection took 25 minutes in total as they had many booths. So that is a big plus. Including the observation period, he took a total of 65 minutes. 

He has totally no side effect. 

[therock]

https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/what-it-getting-covid-19-vaccine-healthcare-marketing-personnel-shares-her-experience
 

sweet...

[therock]

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/astrazeneca-sputnik-vaccines-face-hurdles-if-covid-shots-become-annual-affair

 

Quote

ZURICH (REUTERS) - Vaccines from AstraZeneca , Russia's Gamaleya Institute and Johnson & Johnson fight the coronavirus with another virus, leaving scientists concerned the shots may lose potency if annual inoculations become necessary to fight new variants.

So-called viral vector shots - also used by several Chinese Covid-19 vaccine developers - use harmless modified viruses as vehicles, or vectors, to carry genetic information that helps the body build immunity against future infections.

However, there is a risk that the body also develops immunity to the vector itself, recognising it as an intruder and trying to destroy it.

Most vector-vaccine developers have opted to use an adenovirus, a harmless class of common-cold viruses.

"The experience with adenoviruses has been for many years that vectors can be intercepted by the immune system after repeat injections," said Professor Bodo Plachter, deputy director of the Institute of Virology at Mainz University's teaching hospital.

"There may be the same problem with other types of vectors. Only 'trial and error' will tell," he added.

That potentially puts vector vaccines at a disadvantage to mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna, or vaccines using deactivated coronaviruses, like Sinovac's, or the coronavirus' surface spike proteins, an approach pursued by Novavax.

Vector immunity is not a new issue but has come under renewed scrutiny as companies including J&J anticipate regular Covid-19 vaccinations, like annual influenza shots, may be needed to combat new variants of the coronavirus.

Moderna as well as Pfizer and partner BioNTech said in separate statements this week they are studying additional booster shots that target new variants over time.

Even without any evolution in the virus, it is not yet clear whether vaccine-induced immune memory will eventually wane, which would also require booster shots.

 

[Credor]

On 2/25/2021 at 12:25 PM, inlinesix said:

For 2nd dose, can it be taken after 21 days (Pfizer)?

The 2nd dose is to be taken on 21 days to 28days... think that the available dates for the 2nd dose that I saw when doing the booking for my mum.

[therock]

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/world-will-not-vanquish-covid-19-this-year-who

Quote

GENEVA (AFP) - It is unrealistic to think the world will be done with the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of the year, the World Health Organisation warned Monday (March 1).

WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said it might however be possible to take the tragedy out of the coronavirus crisis by reducing hospitalisations and deaths.

But the virus remains in control, he added, especially given that global new case numbers increased last week after six consecutive weeks of decline.

"It will be very premature, and I think unrealistic, to think that we're going to finish with this virus by the end of the year," Ryan told journalists.

"But I think what we can finish with, if we're smart, is the hospitalisations, the deaths and the tragedy associated with this pandemic." Ryan said that vaccinating front-line health care workers and those most vulnerable to severe disease would "take the fear... out of the pandemic".

But he added that recent progress could not be taken for granted and "right now the virus is very much in control".

Mistake warning

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said new case numbers rose last week in Europe, the Americas, South-east Asia and the eastern Mediterranean.

"This is disappointing, but not surprising," he said. "Some of it appears to be due to relaxing of public health measures, continued circulation of variants, and people letting down their guard.

"Vaccines will help to save lives, but if countries rely solely on vaccines, they're making a mistake. Basic public health measures remain the foundation of the response."

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead, added: "If the last week tells us anything, it's that this virus will rebound if we let it - and we cannot let it."

Tedros wants Covid-19 vaccination under way in every country within the first 100 days of 2021 - meaning there are 40 days left to go.

He welcomed Monday's first injections of doses delivered through the global Covax vaccine-sharing facility, which were administered in Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Covax doses coming

"It's encouraging to see health workers in lower-income countries starting to be vaccinated, but it's regrettable that this comes almost three months after some of the wealthiest countries started their vaccination campaigns," he said.

"And it's regrettable that some countries continue to prioritise vaccinating younger, healthier adults at lower risk of disease in their own populations ahead of health workers and older people elsewhere," he said, without naming them.

A further 11 million vaccine doses will be delivered to countries this week through the Covax programme, with 237 million doses to be allocated to 142 participating economies between now and the end of May.

 

[mersaylee]

Have seen people walking around like a king with only half mask recently...their chins need protection more than the lungs 🤦

[therock]

https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/forum/forum-benefits-of-covid-19-vaccination-outweigh-the-risks

Quote

I read with concern Forum writer Lee Chun Yii's letter (Little is known about the long-term safety of Covid-19 vaccine, Feb 26).

There are several points which indicate a misunderstanding of how the virus causes disease, how the mRNA vaccine works and the epidemiology of Covid-19.

First, getting Covid-19 has long-term consequences. From what is now better known, a significant minority of patients ranging from 10 per cent to 40 per cent may suffer from long-term complications affecting the heart, brain and lungs, and general well-being. This is called the "long Covid" syndrome. In contrast, no major safety concerns have emerged despite millions of people being vaccinated across the world.

Second, mRNA vaccines work by stimulating the production of the spike protein within our cells, which then stimulate antibody production and other immune cells that protect us from future infection. There are many advantages of these mRNA vaccines.

The mRNA vaccines currently available are the most effective vaccines that all future Covid-19 vaccines need to contend with as the gold standard. Additionally, the technology also allows quicker updates within weeks rather than months when significant new strains require an update.

There is no virus in the mRNA that can bind to ACE2 receptors to produce any long-term complications. However, unvaccinated people getting Covid-19 are at risk of long-term complications.

Where there is paucity of safety data, such as in pregnancies and in children, Singapore has been cautious and has held off recommending the vaccine until further data emerges. Hence, these vaccines are recommended only when there is good evidence to show that benefits outweigh the risks.

It is true that young people are at lower risk of complications. But it is not zero risk. Data from Europe and North America suggest 1 per cent to 5 per cent still died from Covid-19.

Importantly, young people with Covid-19 and actively socialising are responsible for the spread of the disease and contributing to the rapid spread of new strains. Notably, they infected the high-risk older people or those with medical problems who then died from Covid-19.

For personal and family reasons, and as good citizens of a society, young people should also take Covid-19 vaccines when offered. Delaying effective Covid-19 vaccination has real negative societal consequences, especially when we are progressively opening up society and the economy.

David Lye (Associate Professor)

Director, Infectious Disease Research and Training Office, National Centre for Infectious Diseases

Member, Expert Committee on Covid-19 Vaccination

 

[therock]

 

6 minutes ago, Jamesc said:

Only problem with free cash card with every vaccination is some people might try to get 10 vaccinations. To get $100 free parking.

Answering your post here bro:

 

Yep, I think that we sometimes ask too much. The Vaccine is free - it costs $35 at the GP, but our government picks up the tab.

Giving away free cards is too much - actually we all end up paying for it via our taxes... 

As they say: Nike - just do it la... when I went for my jab, the nurse was a true sight for sore eyes... made me want to come back for a third one... when she asked me if it was painful, (it actually hurt a bit), I just smiled bravely... 

I think we can put some of the SQ girls to work here... many are actually ex nurses, and can give jabs.. coffee, tea or a jab anyone? 

[therock]

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/uk-study-finds-pfizer-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-jabs-highly-effective-in-elderly

 

Quote

LONDON (AFP) - The Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines have been "highly effective" in reducing coronavirus infections and severe illness among elderly people in Britain, with a more than 80 per cent reduction in hospitalisation, official data showed Monday (March 1).

In the over-80s, a single dose of either vaccine is more than 80 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisation around three to four weeks after the jab, according to a Public Health England (PHE) real-world study that has gathered data since January.

The study comes as France and Germany consider reversing their refusal to authorise the AstraZeneca vaccine for people over 65 due to concerns of its efficacy.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock hailed the new study as "extremely good news".

"The detailed data show that the protection that you get from catching Covid 35 days after a first jab is even slightly better for the Oxford jab than for Pfizer," he added.

Both vaccines "are highly effective in reducing Covid-19 infections among older people aged 70 years and over," added the study.

The Pfizer jab has offered protection against catching the disease of between 57 and 61 per cent after the first dose, with the AstraZeneca vaccine offering protection of between 60 and 73 per cent, according to the study.

"This adds to growing evidence showing that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives," said Mary Ramsay, Public Health England's head of immunisation.

"It is important to remember that protection is not complete and we don't yet know how much these vaccines will reduce the risk of you passing Covid-19 onto others," she added.

 

[mersaylee]

36 minutes ago, therock said:

 

Answering your post here bro:

 

Yep, I think that we sometimes ask too much. The Vaccine is free - it costs $35 at the GP, but our government picks up the tab.

Giving away free cards is too much - actually we all end up paying for it via our taxes... 

As they say: Nike - just do it la... when I went for my jab, the nurse was a true sight for sore eyes... made me want to come back for a third one... when she asked me if it was painful, (it actually hurt a bit), I just smiled bravely... 

I think we can put some of the SQ girls to work here... many are actually ex nurses, and can give jabs.. coffee, tea or a jab anyone? 

Just to sure...eye sore or stare until got sore eyes? 

Worth extra trips for self paying jabs? 😁

[Daryllim69]

Just to share my experience. Being in the essential service industry, I had both my jabs in late January and mid Feb. After my first jab in late January, other than the normal sore I had on my arm after a vaccination, no other side effects noted. However, my other colleagues did feedback on some discomfort as well as higher body temperature. But there was a spite in absenteeism in my company after staff took their first jab. Went for my second jab on the fifth day of CNY. Before I had my jab, I asked around people who has taken the jab before me. Many complain that the soreness on the hand is worst than first jab. Some felt weak and restless after the jab. Went for my jab and I don't feel a thing to be honest. No side effects at all except for the usual sore on the hand. No more soreness after day 3 though but again there was a spite in absenteeism after jab 2. Not sure if the spike in absenteeism is due to the side effects or people using it as a convenient excuse to stay away from work though.  

[Jamesc]

2 hours ago, therock said:

 

Answering your post here bro:

 

Yep, I think that we sometimes ask too much. The Vaccine is free - it costs $35 at the GP, but our government picks up the tab.

Giving away free cards is too much - actually we all end up paying for it via our taxes... 

As they say: Nike - just do it la... when I went for my jab, the nurse was a true sight for sore eyes... made me want to come back for a third one... when she asked me if it was painful, (it actually hurt a bit), I just smiled bravely... 

I think we can put some of the SQ girls to work here... many are actually ex nurses, and can give jabs.. coffee, tea or a jab anyone? 

I like your idea.