COVID-19 Vaccination for KKH Patients

• At which stage of the pregnancy should the COVID-19 vaccine be taken?
  While there is no limit or restriction in terms of gestational age for vaccination in pregnant women, KKH advises pregnant women to seek COVID-19 vaccination from 13 weeks of pregnancy as there are severe risks involved if infected with the virus, compared to non-pregnant women. Some of these risks involve the development of serious complications which increases pregnant women’s risk of needing intensive care unit (ICU) care and invasive ventilation, as well as developing potentially lethal complications like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. They also have a doubled risk of preterm birth if they are symptomatic, and these babies may require neonatal ICU care.
  
  
• How safe is COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women?
  A recent study based on real world data from the USA has demonstrated the initial safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The study had 3,958 pregnant women who were enrolled compared to the incidences of these outcomes in pregnant women before the onset of the pandemic. There were no obvious safety signals flagged up among the pregnant women who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. There is also no evidence or scientific rationale to suggest that the efficacy or effectiveness of vaccines administered in pregnant women should be inferior to outside pregnancy.
  
  
• Will the vaccine effectively protect both mum and baby?
  The mRNA vaccines have been shown to generate antibody production in both pregnant and breastfeeding women. These antibodies are transferred passively across the placenta to the baby antenatally or before birth, and antibodies have also been detected in breastmilk after vaccination. While the exact nature and extent of protection for the babies remains to be ascertained, these findings are promising.
  
  
• What should a pregnant woman take note of before she goes for vaccination?
  We advise that vaccination of pregnant women should be done after an informed discussion and joint decision reached with their obstetricians or healthcare professionals. Side effects like fever can be managed with standard treatment such as paracetamol, which is safe for use in pregnancy. Vaccination sites are equipped to manage any rare or unlikely immediate emergencies, such as severe allergic reactions.
  
  
• Will taking the COVID-19 vaccine impact the fertility of those planning to conceive?
  MOH guidelines indicate that women planning their pregnancies can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no evidence that these vaccines will harm women’s fertility, and they may opt to complete vaccination prior to planning a pregnancy.
  

• Please click here for information on COVID-19 Vaccination and Breastfeeding
  

• Is the COVID-19 vaccination safe for children?
  Studies have shown that the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Clinical trials with sufficient numbers of teenagers and children participating show that the vaccine is safe for those aged 12 years and above.
  
  
• How effective is the vaccine for this age group?
  The COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective in preventing symptomatic disease and will also help prevent your child from getting seriously ill even if he/she contracts COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the new variants.
  
  
• What are the possible side effects for children?
  Children may have some side effects after their COVID-19 vaccination which are similar to adults. These side effects, which may include injection site pain, fatigue, headache, chills and fever, which will generally resolve on their own within a few days. These are normal signs that the body is building protection (immunity).
  
  
• Can children with underlying medical conditions take the vaccine?
  For children with underlying medical conditions, the child’s doctor/paediatrician should be consulted on the child’s eligibility for the vaccine. Parents are encouraged to speak with their child’s doctor/paediatrician if they have any questions or concerns.
  
  
• What other considerations are there?
  Getting vaccinated helps to protect the child from getting infected and passing the disease to others. Being vaccinated gives parents and children peace of mind to return to activities like in-person schooling and participating in sports. The known and potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks of vaccination.

​	1. Enrolment for COVID-19 vaccination at SingHealth hospitals and national specialist centres If you have not been vaccinated and are medically eligible, your doctor may offer you the option of receiving your COVID-19 vaccination at the healthcare institution at which you are on medical follow-up. This vaccination service is only offered to patients with chronic medical conditions on follow-up at SingHealth institutions.
​	2. Booking of Vaccination Appointment Your doctor will screen and review your medical history to ensure that you are suitable to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are medically eligible, registration staff at the clinic will help you book appointments for Doses 1 and 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination. Both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be administered at KKH. The appointment for Dose 1 may not be on the same day that your doctor refers you for the vaccination.
​	3. SMS Reminders You will receive SMS confirmations one week before and on the day of your vaccination appointments. Manage your medical appointments with the Health Buddy app!
​	4. On both vaccination appointment days (4-8 weeks apart*) Bring your IC or birth certificate for both appointments, and the vaccination card (which will be issued to you after receiving your first dose) for your second appointment. Please turn up on time. Please wear short sleeved attire, or sleeves loose enough to be rolled up. There is no need to fast. If you are unwell, stay home and postpone your appointments. *If you are unable to keep to your appointments, please reschedule as soon as possible.
​	​5. Both doses complete! Please continue to observe current safe management measures to keep yourself and your loved ones protected.

Please note:
If you need to reschedule your appointment:

• Please refer to the instructions within the SMS notification
• You may do so via the Health Buddy app, or
• Call Central Appointments at 6294 4050, as soon as possible

After vaccination:
Like other vaccines, this vaccine may cause mild or moderate side effects in some individuals (please see the list of side effects below). These will usually get better within a few days. You may wish to see a doctor if the side effects persist or get worse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the vaccine free?
   The vaccine is free for all Singaporeans and long-term residents in Singapore, which includes Singapore Permanent Residents, and Employment Pass holders.
   
   
2. Which vaccine am I getting?
   You will be getting the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine. Comirnaty is the same as Pfizer-BioNTech, manufactured under the same processes and procedures and meet the same finished product specifications. The only difference is the label.
   
   
3. How many doses are there?
   The vaccine consists of two doses, with the second dose due 4-8 weeks after the first dose. You must receive both doses to have the full vaccine protection.
   
   
4. How will the vaccine be administered?
   The vaccine will be injected in your upper arm. To make this easier, you are advised to wear short-sleeved attire, or sleeves loose enough to be rolled up.
   
   
5. Can I get my vaccination on the same day as my clinic appointment?
   You may not be able to obtain an appointment on the same day. Our clinic staff will assist to check if there are available slots on the same day. If this is not available, we will assist to book the next available vaccination appointment for you.
   
   
6. Can dose 1 and dose 2 be done at different places e.g. #1 at hospital and #2 at the CC?
   As different vaccination centres may use different brands of the COVID-19 vaccine, you should return to the same vaccination centre for the second dose where you received the first dose of the vaccine. Hence, if you opt for COVID-19 vaccination at the hospital, please return to the same hospital for your second dose. At the point of enrolment, we will help you make the appointments for both Dose 1 and Dose 2.
   
   
7. What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
   The vaccine has been assessed to be safe. However, you may experience common side effects, similar to other vaccines. Most side effects are mild or moderate, and usually get better within a few days. The table below lists some common side effects that have been reported with this vaccine, and how to manage them. 
   
   

   ​Side Effects	​How to manage
   • Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site • Fever, chills • Headache, muscle pain, joint pain	​Paracetamol 1 to 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed
   ​• Tiredness	Rest​
   • Lymph node swelling at neck or arms​	Usually gets better by itself in a week or so​

   
   See a doctor if:
   
   • The side effects persist or get worse
   • The fever persists for more than 48 hours (2 days)
   
   In very rare cases, this vaccine can cause a severe allergic reaction. Signs of a severe allergic reaction include: difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, throat, eyes or lips, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness, a bad rash all over your body. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. Call 995 or go to the nearest A&E immediately.
   
   
8. How will the Government assist persons who suffer from serious side effects following vaccination?
   The vaccine injury financial assistance programme (VIFAP) by MOH will provide financial assistance to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders vaccinated under the national vaccination programme, in the rare event that a person suffers from serious side effects that are assessed to be related to their COVID-19 vaccination.
   
   To apply for VIFAP, individuals will need to submit an application accompanied by medical information on the serious side effect from their treating doctor. All applications will be reviewed by an independent clinical panel for the relatedness and severity of the side effect(s) to the COVID-19 vaccine received.
   
   More information on how to apply can be found at www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination/vifap.
   More information on the COVID-19 vaccine is also available at www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination.
   
   
9. Is the vaccination card issued to me valid for travel purposes?
   The physical vaccination card that is given to all vaccinated individuals is not meant to be used for travel purposes. Relevant government agencies are engaging international counterparts and monitoring global developments on the issuance and recognition of digital vaccination certificates for travel purposes, as part of ongoing efforts to reopen the economy and enable cross border travel. More details will be shared when available.
   
   
10. I recently received a non-COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. flu, DTAP, hepatitis), how soon can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
    Patients who had received a non-COVID-19 vaccine in the last 14 days can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A minimal interval of 14 days between COVID-19 vaccine and non-COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged, but not compulsory.
    
    
11. How do I get to the vaccination centre at KKH?
    You will receive both COVID-19 vaccine doses at the KKH vaccination centre on your scheduled appointment dates. The KKH vaccination centre is located at the Auditorium at Women’s Tower, Level 1 (accessed via the KKH Retail Mall):
    
    
    
    

KKH vaccination centre opening hours:
• 9.00am to 5.30pm (last vaccination slot at 5.00pm)
• Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)