[:en]The Health Science Authority (HSA) has granted interim authorization under Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR) for Bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in October 2022. The following are some general information behind this vaccine:
Q: What is Bivalent COVID Vaccine?
A bivalent vaccine can stimulate an immune response against two different antigens. In the case of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, it targets both the original strain of COVID-19 as well as the Omicron variant. Unlike the original mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that only target one variant of the virus, the bivalent vaccine offers greater and added protection against the newer COVID-19 strains including XBB.
In Singapore, there are two options for bivalent COVID-19 vaccines approved by HSA – bivalent Moderna/Spikevax vaccine and Pfizer Comirnaty bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.
Q: Who is eligible for Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine?
Individuals who are 18 years old and above, and completed the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations may receive bivalent covid-19 vaccine as booster dose.
Q: Is Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The safety profiles of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines are comparable to that of original mRNA COVID-19 vaccines which are regarded as safe. Common side effects include injection site pain or reaction, myalgia, fatigue, fever, chills, headache, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting. The reactions are expected as part of the body’s immune response to generate immunity against COVID-19 and usually will resolve within a few days to one week.
(Source Image from MOH)
For more information, kindly contact Healthsprings Medical Clinic at +65 6734 5260.[:]
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