Ong Ye Kung: Almost half are S’poreans, mostly seniors, vaccination status lapsed for not taking booster shots

Nearly half of the 21,800 people who failed to take their Covid-19 booster shot, resulting in the lapse of their vaccination status, are Singaporeans, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Feb 28), Mr Ong said that seniors make up the 48 per cent of Singaporeans aged 18 and above whose Covid-19 vaccination status has lapsed, while another 14 per cent are permanent residents. The remaining 38 per cent are work pass holders.

Mr Ong was responding to Member of Parliament Joan Pereira’s (PAP-Tanjong Pagar) question about the general profile of those whose vaccination status had lapsed on Feb 14, 2022.

Ms Pereira also asked whether the Ministry of Health (MOH) has information on why these people do not take their booster jabs and whether there are plans to reach out to these individuals to assist them in receiving the booster shot.

“MOH is unable to ascertain the reasons for them not getting their boosters, but indications are that many of them are overseas,” said Mr Ong referring to the 52 per cent of individuals, according to a MOH media release.

“As for the Singaporeans who are not boosted… a common reason for not getting booster jabs is that they seldom go out, they feel adequately protected with their primary vaccination, and they prefer to delay their booster vaccination,” said Mr Ong.

He added that MOH would continue encouraging individuals to come forward and take their booster shots when they are eligible.

Beginning Feb 14, those 18 and above should have received their booster shot within 270 days of completing their primary Covid-19 vaccination series to maintain a full vaccination status.

Meanwhile, those with lapsed vaccination statuses would not be able to dine-in at restaurants or shop at malls, among other activities.

To boost vaccination efforts, MOH would utilise SMS reminders, make vaccination as convenient as possible, and also deploy our Mobile Vaccination Teams to the heartlands to reach out, especially to the seniors, said Mr Ong. /TISG

Work pass holders no longer allowed to enter SG from Feb 1, 2022 if unable to produce vaccination document