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Health minister Ong Ye Kung made several clarifications following queries regarding Covid-19.

In a Facebook post on May 27, he tackled questions on the B.1.617 variant, as well as vaccination in Singapore.

Is it true that the B.1.617 variant attacks children more?

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had previously claimed, without citing evidence, that the Covid-19 variant "found in Singapore" was "extremely dangerous for children." His claims have since been debunked by MOH.

In his post, Ong clarified that there is no evidence showing the new variant attacks children more than adults.

He also said that the new strain appears to be more transmissible, however, affecting both children and adults.

All the children with Covid-19 seen in Singapore so far have mild symptoms, he added.

Is it true that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children?  Is old ‘killed virus’ vaccine is better for children?

There is currently no inactivated Covid-19 vaccine approved for use for children.

Regarding the claim that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not suitable for children as it is a new technology, he said that they are aware of various opinions on this matter amongst the public.

However, MOH goes by the scientific evidence presented by "rigorous clinical trials", he said. Results showed that this vaccine works just as well for young people aged 12-15 years old, and the U.S. and Canada have approved its use for this group.

Ong also addressed the view that the risks of vaccination for adolescents and children outweigh the benefits, given that the younger group tends to have milder symptoms.

He said that "vaccination remains important for this group", as young people who are infected may be transmitting the virus to the older family members at home.

What should I do if I could not get vaccinated because I have allergies?

Previously, the ministry had advised those with a history of multiple allergies to defer receiving mRNA-based (includes both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) vaccines, CNA reported.

Vaccination guidelines were updated on March 13, and individuals can now be vaccinated as long as they have no life-threatening signs or symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis.

In the Facebook post, Ong said that those with allergies should check for at least two of these three signs of allergies (mouth/lip swelling, shortness of breath or giddiness).

Ong said: "If you have only one, it means your allergy is not severe or life threatening, you can take the vaccine." Vaccination centres will also be reminded of such allergy criteria.

For those with past vaccine allergies, they will be assessed at the vaccination centre and referred to a hospital for further assessment to take the vaccine, if required.

You can see the full Facebook post here:

Ong has previously posted a Q&A regarding the Covid-19 situation in Singapore on May 23.

Top photo by Mothership, Hakan Nural/Unsplash.