Man registers for Sinovac booster shot, 5 times, receives no confirmation from MOH, except one delayed email, only to cause another lapse in his vaccination date

Singapore — “MOH is seriously failing in the handling of this situation, and people need to be taken to task for such inefficiencies,” said a concerned member of the public who had to try multiple times just to book an appointment for his Covid-19 booster shot.

A Singapore citizen recently shed some light on the rather challenging process of booking his third Sinovac-CoronaVac jab, involving five attempts to book a slot and delayed responses by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Mr G shared with The Independent Singapore his “frustrating and harrowing experience” in the registration process.

After hearing of the new rules in place for booster shots, Mr G went to the government website handling vaccination on Oct 30 to register for his third Sinovac dose. However, he didn’t get a response or confirmation of his appointment.

He subsequently tried registering on Nov 8, 11, 15 and 16, and still no confirmation.

“The website even mentioned that they will get back within one working day after the registration.”

Mr G also submitted multiple feedback via the MOH website and didn’t receive a response.

“The only time they got back to me was after I sent an email to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Nov 19,” he said.

A MOH officer began processing Mr G’s appointment; however, the delayed responses caused lapses in the supposed preferred date of vaccination.

“I have sent follow-up emails on Nov 29, Dec 1 and 2 to ask them to get back to me, but there was no follow-up at all,” said Mr G, sharing with The Independent the email communication as well as his letter to the PMO.

Mr G confirmed that he did not receive any SMS from MOH, following MOH’s announcement on Dec 2, reminding those who took the second shot of the Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccines at least three months ago to get their booster shot by Dec 31 this year.

MOH said it has been releasing reminder SMSes to some 70,000 people eligible for the third dose of the vaccines to maintain their fully vaccinated status from Jan 1, 2022.

“The government is encouraging people to take the booster shots and taking measures to punish people who do not comply within the stipulated timing, yet I am having so much difficulty trying to get a confirmation for my booster shot. Can you imagine how many other people out there are having the same issues as me?” said Mr G.

“… I have been complying with the rules for vaccines shots but being faced with such difficulties trying to register for it.”

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Mr G for a statement and will update the story accordingly. /TISG

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