Singapore residents will now be allowed to take Sinovac's Covid-19 vaccine under the Special Access Route (SAR).

This decision comes shortly after the announcement by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the vaccine has been approved under its Emergency Use Listing.

Sinovac vaccines first arrived in February 2021

Singapore first received the Chinese-made Sinovac vaccine in February 2021.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are the only vaccines that have received authorisation for use.

However, the Ministry of Health (MOH) told The Straits Times that while the Sinovac vaccine would be allowed under the SAR, those who choose to receive the Sinovac vaccine will not be eligible for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (Vifap), should they develop any adverse reactions.

The programme provides a one-time goodwill financial assistance to persons who experience serious side effects that are assessed to be related to Covid-19 vaccines administered under the national programme.

According to the ST report, MOH will release further details in the coming days on how private healthcare institutes can apply to be licensed providers of Sinovac vaccines.

MOH also said that it is working out details on pricing, informed consent process and the safety of the patients who prefer the Sinovac vaccine.

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Top image via CGTN/YouTube.