This is because even when the antibodies wane, memory cells in the body have learntВ how to produce new antibodies the next time they meet the coronavirus. 'In Singapore, our data shows that the ability of vaccination to prevent any COVID-19 infection is around 40 per cent.В Second observation is, despite this, vaccines continueВ to be very effective in protecting against severe illnesses and deaths, should you be infected,' said Mr Ong. Mr Ong added that with new variants, there have been more breakthrough infections despite vaccinations, and that the strength of protection decreases as antibodies wane over time. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that immunocompromised individuals will be contacted by their doctors.

'These individuals are recommended to receive a third dose of the same mRNA vaccine two months after their second dose as part of their primary course of vaccination to ensure that they start off with an adequate protective immune response to vaccination,' said MOH. Immunocompromised persons have a 'blunted immune response' to vaccination, and are also at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, said the Health Ministry. They will be eligible for the third dose within this month, said MOH, adding thatВ more details on the implementation of the booster shot will be announced later. This is to 'ensure higher levels of protection from infection and continued high levels of protection against severe disease, and reduce the possibility of spikes in infections and more people falling severely ill', said MOH.ДЄbout sixВ months have passed since the first batch of seniors aged 60 and above completed their second doses in March under the national vaccination programme. They should receive a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine about six to nine months after having completed their primary course of vaccination regimen. Seniors areВ at risk of severe COVID-19 infection and may develop a lower immune response from their two-dose vaccination regimen, said MOH.В This is coupled with the expected decline of their immunity over time, as many were vaccinated earlier, added the Health Ministry.

Having reviewed the available evidence and scrutinised the safety and efficacy of booster doses administered globally, theВ committee has recommended, and MOH has agreed, to start a booster programme for these groups of people. The Ministry of Health (MOH)В and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination have evaluated the need for booster shots, said co-chair of the COVID-19В multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong on Friday (Sep 3). SINGAPORE: Singapore will offerВ COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to people who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, as well as people agedВ 60 and above, and residents of aged care facilities.

Booster shot