Low Incidence Rate Of Severe Allergic Reactions To Covid-19 Vaccine
Singapore has been gradually rolling out Covid-19 vaccines, starting with frontline workers and recently with the elderly.
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To date, more than 113,000 people have been vaccinated, reported Ministry of Health (MOH).
Though most who received the vaccines did not suffer any “adverse events”, MOH shared on Thursday (28 Jan) that 3 people have experienced allergic reactions to the vaccines thus far.
Thankfully, the symptoms were swiftly detected and all 3 have been discharged after a day in the hospital.
3 cases of severe allergic reactions
On Thursday (28 Jan), MOH announced that 3 out of 113,000 people who were inoculated in Singapore experienced severe allergies.
They reportedly had multiple symptoms such as rash, breathlessness, swelling of lip, throat tightness, and giddiness.
All 3 were in their 20s and 30s and had a history of allergies, including to certain foods like shellfish.
Thankfully, all 3 cases were promptly detected and treated. After a day of observation or treatment in the hospital, they recovered and were discharged.
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Mild side effects are normal
There is, however, no cause for alarm. After all, the incidence rate of severe allergies is low at just 2.7 per 100,000 vaccine doses given, or 0.0027%.
Furthermore, severe allergic reactions are a known but rare side effect of the Covid-19 vaccine.
According to The Straits Times (ST), there have also been 432 “adverse event reports” in Singapore, though these appear relatively minor, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain to the injection site
- Swelling
Furthermore, these are ordinary vaccine side effects and will usually heal within days.
As an added precautionary measure, screenings have also been done before and after the jab to ensure that individuals are safely vaccinated.
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New vaccine injury financial assistance
In the rare event of serious side effects, individuals will now receive support from the authorities.
On Thursday (28 Jan) MOH announced a new vaccine injury financial assistance programme, reported TODAY.
There are 2 tiers of support being offered:
- One-time payout up to $10,000 for those hospitalised and requiring care in high dependency or intensive care unit and later recovers
- One-time payout of $225,000 in the case where a person dies or suffers permanent severe disability due to vaccine
All Singaporeans, Permanent Residents and Long-Term Pass holders who take the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore are eligible.
An independent clinical panel has also been formed to assess and adjudicate such applications.
Only those found to have serious side effects that are potentially life-threatening, require hospitalisation, or resulted in incapacity or disability can qualify.
Benefits of vaccine outweigh risks
Since the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine, there have understandably been some concerns about its safety.
MOH reiterated that chances of severe side effects are low and the perks of being vaccinated far outweigh the risks.
So if you could, it is recommended to take the vaccine to protect yourself and those around you.
Have you experienced any “adverse effects” after receiving the vaccine? Let us know in the comments below!
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at hello@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Facebook and Sengkang General Hospital.
