Advanced FAQs for COVID-19 Boosters
1. What is the safest COVID-19 technology and risks associated with it?
Protein-Subunit, eg Novavax
- For those who took two doses of mRNA vaccines earlier, Novavax's efficacy as a booster is almost as good as Pfizer.
- Protein-Based technology is a matured technology.
- Novavax is very new, since all COVID-19 vaccines are insufficiently tested, it is safer to consider a vaccine that 6-9 months after launched.
Viral-Vector, eg J&J, AZ
- Viral-Vector technology offers longer protection than mRNA vaccines.
- Recent data in US and Europe indicates that they offer similar level of protection against Omicron.
- After being launched for a 1-2 years, it had been established that they are less suitable for young population, younger females.
Inactivated-Virus, eg. Sinopharm, Sinovac, Valneva
- France's Valneva is expected to be launch in first quarter of 2022. Trial results indicate 95% efficacy.
- Sinopharm 78-79%, Sinovac 51-52%
- Inactivated-Virus technology is well-established, adverse side-effects from these vaccines are the lowest among other WHO recognized vaccines.
2. What COVID-19 Vaccines are accepted by MOH as Boosters?
- MOH recommends Singaporeans who are vaccinated with mRNA vaccines to use mRNA Boosters. However, Pfizer and Moderna had confirmed the efficacy wanes in 2-3 months.
- Full Regimen refers to Dual doses of Pfizer/Moderna and Triple doses of Sinopharm & Sinovac.
- As of 1st Jan 2022, MOH accepts all approved-vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, Sinovac & Sinopharm) as valid boosters for all those who completed Full Regimen.
3. What is the validity after taking the Booster vaccines?
The latest 270 days validity guidelines refers to Full Regimen. This is not applicable for Boosters and there is no decision made for Boosters' validity period.
