Singapore’s Ministry of Health has firmly rejected claims made by an opposition party calling for the suspension of Covid-19 vaccinations due to alleged high incidences of severe side effects. The People’s Power Party attempted to draw connections between high vaccination rates and excess deaths in a recent Facebook post, prompting a response from the ministry refuting the claims as baseless.
According to the health ministry, the opposition party’s assertions of Singapore experiencing unusually high excess deaths since the introduction of Covid-19 vaccination in 2021 are unfounded. The ministry emphasized that Singapore has actually recorded one of the lowest excess death rates globally during the pandemic, attributing this to the high vaccination rates among Singaporeans.
Contrary to the opposition party’s claims, the health ministry stated that multiple studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccination in reducing the risk of severe outcomes compared to unvaccinated populations. It further highlighted the role of vaccines in preventing Covid-related deaths, protecting the healthcare system, and ultimately saving lives.
The ministry also noted that during a previous wave of infections caused by the JN.1 variant, unvaccinated individuals aged 60 and above had a significantly higher incidence rate of Covid-19 hospitalizations and admissions into intensive care compared to those who were vaccinated. This underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing severe outcomes of Covid infection, particularly among older populations.
In addition, the health ministry emphasized the importance of keeping up to date with additional vaccine doses, especially as Covid-19 transitions into an endemic phase. Vaccines and boosters play a crucial role in mitigating the risk of long-term complications post-infection, such as cardiovascular and thrombotic issues.
Overall, the health ministry maintained that Covid-19 vaccines have been instrumental in protecting individuals, preventing deaths, and ensuring a sense of normalcy in daily life. It stressed the significance of following scientific evidence in making decisions regarding vaccination and encouraged the public to prioritize their health and safety by staying informed.