Concerns Raised Over New Vaccination Requirements
SINGAPORE — A concerned netizen is calling on Health Minister Ong Ye Kung to explain the rationale behind the “blanket booster requirements” for COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 12 and older.
Identifying themselves as “The Concerned in Singapore,” the netizen noted that while vaccination is not mandatory in Singapore, a new rule will take effect on February 14 requiring those aged 18 and above to receive a booster shot within 270 days of completing their primary vaccination series to be considered fully vaccinated. This policy was announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on January 5.
The new regulations apply to individuals whose last vaccine dose was administered on or before May 20, 2021, as clarified by Minister Ong during a multi-ministry task force press conference in January. It remains unclear why the letter references individuals aged 12 and older, as the ministry’s statement specifically pertains to those aged 18 and above.
The netizen referenced infectious disease specialist Peter McIntyre, who has also been mentioned by Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam in a recent tweet. Professor McIntyre is a member of the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization.
In their letter, spanning nine paragraphs, the netizen cites previous MOH announcements and argues for a reevaluation of the booster mandate. The language and questioning style suggest the author may possess some medical training or have consulted with a medical professional. It’s also possible that the letter reflects sentiments from vaccine-sceptic groups, although its tone is more moderate than typically associated with such organizations.
The netizen’s letter reads:
Dear Minister Ong Ye Kung,
Thank you for your tireless work for Singapore. Vaccines have saved countless lives and have proven to be effective against severe illness and death. We are all fully vaccinated.
Singapore’s vaccine rollout has been commendable and successful.
However, the case for blanket booster requirements for all individuals over 12 years old is not strong. Treating all fully vaccinated individuals as if they were unvaccinated after 270 days is disproportionate, given the proven effectiveness of mRNA vaccines against severe illness. As infectious disease specialist Peter McIntyre points out, protection against severe disease should be our benchmark.
The MOH has stated that the rationale for the vaccination-differentiated measures (VDS) is to protect the unvaccinated from severe illness and to prevent straining the MOH’s resources. Could the MOH quantify and justify imposing VDS on individuals who have not received a booster shot after 270 days across all age groups over 12?
For example: a. What is the absolute risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for those who have received 2 doses compared to 3 doses, broken down by age group? We note that the risk of serious illness is significantly lower for Omicron than for Delta. b. What is the absolute risk reduction of serious illness from receiving a booster, particularly for those under 50? c. What is the absolute risk threshold for deciding when to impose VDS on different age groups? d. Regarding peak ICU capacity concerns, what is the estimated incremental benefit of enforcing blanket booster requirements for each age group?
Several credible voices have expressed opposition to blanket booster mandates. Two senior FDA officials resigned over these mandates, citing their concerns publicly. Similarly, FDA vaccine advisor Dr. Paul Offit has voiced similar reservations.
We trusted the Government when we received our two doses last year. We believed MOH when it stated there would be “very little differentiation between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals” in a highly vaccinated society adapting to live with COVID-19, despite prior legislation mandating the expiration of our vaccinated status.
Furthermore, MOH did not disclose this expiration period to the public, even when explicitly asked in parliamentary questions. We note that the current version of the Act suggests the validity extension from a third booster also has an expiration date.
The blanket application of VDS on all unboosted individuals over 12 could undermine public trust. Numerous appeals for a more calibrated approach to VDS seem to have been ignored. We urge MOH to protect public trust.
Sincerely,
The Concerned in Singapore
The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Independent Singapore.
