Singapore Ministry of Health: "Sinovac Vaccine Provides Only 60% Effectiveness in Preventing Severe Cases"

"Recommendation to Receive mRNA-Based Vaccine Booster Shot"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] The Singapore Ministry of Health announced research findings showing that the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine provides only 60% effectiveness in preventing severe cases after two doses. To enhance immunity, the Ministry of Health emphasized the recommendation to receive an additional booster shot with messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines such as Pfizer or Moderna.

On the 15th, the Singapore Ministry of Health stated in a press release, "A joint study with the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) found that individuals who received two doses of the Sinovac vaccine had significantly lower protection against severe infection compared to those who received two doses of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines." They added, "The Sinovac vaccine's effectiveness in preventing severe cases was 60%, which is more than 30% lower than Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which showed 90% and 97% effectiveness respectively." This study was conducted on 1.25 million vaccinated individuals aged 40 and above in Singapore from October 1 to November 25.

The Singapore Ministry of Health recommended, "Those who have completed two doses of the Sinovac vaccine should receive an mRNA vaccine as a booster shot." They also stressed, "If one does not wish to receive an mRNA vaccine, at least a third dose of the Sinovac vaccine is necessary." According to the Ministry's data, among the 5.45 million eligible individuals in Singapore, 87% have completed two doses, and 31% have received booster shots.

The announcement by the Singapore Ministry of Health is interpreted as a measure to prevent an increase in severe cases amid the recent spread of the Omicron variant. So far, 16 confirmed cases of the Omicron variant have been reported in Singapore. Among them, 14 are imported cases, and the remaining two are local infections involving airport staff. The Ministry of Health revealed that three airport employees were preliminarily diagnosed as suspected Omicron cases the day before, indicating that the number of confirmed cases is expected to rise.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.