COVID-19 VACCINATION
COVID-19 Vaccination for Cancer Patients
Now available at IHHSG Hospitals for Singapore Residents Aged 12 and above
With the emerging local and international clinical reports on the safety and efficacy of the mRNA –based Covid19 vaccines, Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) has revised the guidance on the provision of Covid-19 vaccination to population subgroups that are currently contraindicated to receive the mRNA-based vaccines.
The updated guidance indicates that:
| Category of Patients | Guidance for vaccination |
|---|---|
| Patients with active cancers on treatment On treatment is defined as undergone chemotherapy, immunotherapy* or radiation therapy in the past 3 months OR planned in the next 2 months
*Includes immune checkpoint inhibitors. | Can be vaccinated in a hospital setting, with memo, after assessment by the treating specialist on suitability for vaccination |
Patients with transplants within the past 3 months (solid organ or stem cell) | |
| Patients with platelet counts < 50 X 109 / L | |
| Patients on hormonal therapy | Can be vaccinated at any available vaccination sites with advice |
| Persons with cancer NOT on treatment Not on treatment (with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy) in the past 3 months AND no planned treatment in the next 2 months | |
| Persons with a history of cancer who are in remission | |
Patients with increased risk of haematoma with IM injections due to bleeding tendency
| Can vaccinated if patient accepts risk. No data to support SC injection. Advise to hold firm pressure at the injection site for at least five minutes post-vaccination. Persons with platelet counts < 50 X 109 / L can be vaccinated in a hospital setting, or in a community vaccination centre with memo from their treating specialist. |
| Patients who had recently received a non-COVID-19 vaccine (within the last 14 days) | Can be vaccinated, even if the patient had received a non-COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccination. An interval of at least 14 days before or after a non-COVID-19 vaccine is encouraged. |
Covid19 vaccination at IHH Singapore Hospitals FAQ
Q1. Do I get to choose the brand of vaccine?
Currently, our hospitals are providing complimentary Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine for patients.
For patients who are found unsuitable to receive the mRNA vaccine, they may opt for the Sinopharm vaccine at a cost.
Q2. What is the difference between the Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm vaccines?
Q3. When will the second dose be administered and where?
The second dose will be administered about 21
days apart from the first dose as per MOH’s prevailing guideline. The patient
should receive both doses at the same vaccination centre.
Q4. Can my caregiver be vaccinated at the hospital as well?
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is provided for patients with specialists operating from IHHSG hospitals’ Medical Centres (Mount Elizabeth Specialist Centre, Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Parkway East Medical Centre) only.
Q5. Are there any cost(s) involved?
The vaccination will be provided free of charge to the patient.
The Sinopharm vaccine is priced at SGD $99 for 2 doses, inclusive of GST.
However, if adverse reactions or complications occur post-vaccination, the patient may require treatment in the A&E department. A&E charges will apply under these circumstances.
Q6. Can I think about it and make the appointment when I am home?
It is important to discuss with your doctor on your suitability for the vaccine before any appointment is made.
For patients who are keen to take the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the request for appointment must be made by the clinic or doctor.
For patients who are keen to take the Sinopharm vaccine, you may request for an appointment by an email to cpac@parkwaypantai.com.
Q7. Is my appointment confirmed once the doctor submits the application?
Successful submission of the request does not imply confirmation of the appointment. Our clinic/hospital will contact you for confirmation of appointment approximately 2 days before the session.
Q7. What should I take note of for my vaccination appointment?
- Bring your identification card (NRIC/FIN/Student Pass) for both appointments
- Bring along your doctor’s memo (if any)
- Please turn up on time
- Please wear short-sleeved attire, or sleeves loose enough to be rolled up
- If you are unwell or had fever in the past 24 hours, stay home and postpone your appointments
Q8. I am not a Singapore resident. Do I have access to the vaccination?
Singapore will extend the Covid-19 national vaccination programme to short-term pass holders who have been in Singapore for 60 days continuously. However, they will not qualify for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 Vaccination. Any medical bills incurred by them following the vaccination appointment will also be subject to the prevailing charging policies.
Eligible short-term pass holders who have valid phone numbers registered with the Government will receive an SMS from MOH via the registered mobile number. Individuals are to book their vaccination appointed at their nearest vaccination centre (www.vaccine.gov.sg/locations-vcs). The vaccination sites will not accept any walk-in.
For short-term pass holders with valid pass extensions who did not receive an SMS from MOH may request for an appointment by sending MOH supporting immigration documentation via www.vaccine.gov.sg/appeal. MOH will review such requests on a case-by-case basis over the next few weeks, after receiving these requests.
Please speak to your doctor from IHHSG hospitals on your suitability for the vaccination before making an appointment.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination in Singapore, please visit:
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination