Moderna vs Pfizer Singapore: Which COVID-19 Vaccine is More Effective?

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If you’re living in Singapore, you’re probably aware of the ongoing vaccination programme to combat COVID-19. Two of the most popular vaccines being administered in the country are Moderna and Pfizer. While both vaccines have shown high efficacy rates in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, there are some differences between the two. In this article, we’ll compare Moderna and Pfizer vaccines in Singapore, and answer some frequently asked questions about the vaccination programme and public health policies.

A bustling Singapore cityscape with Moderna and Pfizer logos prominently displayed on towering skyscrapers

When it comes to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, both are mRNA vaccines that require two doses for full efficacy. The Pfizer vaccine was the first to be approved for use in Singapore, while Moderna was approved later. Both vaccines have shown to be highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization, and have similar side effects. However, a recent study by the Ministry of Health (MOH) found that getting a booster shot with either vaccine further reduces the risk of infection by over 60%.

If you’re wondering which vaccine to get, it’s important to note that both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are safe and effective. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and availability. In the next sections, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and answer some frequently asked questions about the vaccination programme and public health policies.

Key Takeaways

Both Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization.
Getting a booster shot with either vaccine further reduces the risk of infection by over 60%.
The decision to get Moderna or Pfizer vaccine ultimately comes down to personal preference and availability.

Comparing Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines in Singapore

Two vaccine vials labeled "Moderna" and "Pfizer" sit on a clean, white surface in a well-lit room

If you are considering getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in Singapore, you may have heard about the two mRNA vaccines available: Moderna and Pfizer. Here’s what you need to know about the similarities and differences between these vaccines.

Vaccine Efficacy and Protection

Both Moderna and Pfizer have been shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. According to the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the vaccines have an efficacy rate of around 90% after two doses.

Recent studies have also suggested that both vaccines offer good protection against the Omicron variant of the virus. However, it’s worth noting that the protection may not be as strong as against other variants.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Like all vaccines, Moderna and Pfizer can cause side effects. The most common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and fever. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), both vaccines have a good safety profile and the benefits of getting vaccinated far outweigh the risks. However, there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as allergic reactions and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), particularly in younger people.

Vaccination Strategy for Different Demographics

The MOH recommends that everyone aged 12 and above should get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, there are some differences in the vaccination strategy for different demographics.

For example, the MOH recommends that pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should discuss with their doctor before getting vaccinated. The vaccines have not been specifically tested in these groups, but there is currently no evidence to suggest that they are harmful.

Similarly, the MOH recommends that elderly people and those with underlying medical conditions should get vaccinated as soon as possible, as they are at higher risk of severe illness if they get infected with COVID-19.

Healthcare workers are also a priority group for vaccination, as they are at higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Overall, both Moderna and Pfizer are safe and effective vaccines that can help protect you against COVID-19. If you are eligible, you should consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.

Vaccination Programme and Public Health Policies

A bustling vaccination center with people waiting in line, signs promoting Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, and healthcare workers administering shots

National Vaccination Programme

As a resident of Singapore, you have access to the National Vaccination Programme, which aims to provide free COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible individuals. The programme includes vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, and Sinovac-CoronaVac. The latter will continue to be included under the programme until 30 September 2024. The vaccines are being administered in a phased approach, with priority given to those who are more vulnerable to the virus.

Regulatory Approvals and Special Access Route

The vaccines used in the National Vaccination Programme have been approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore. The HSA has also granted a Special Access Route for the use of updated vaccines, such as the Moderna/Spikevax and Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccines, against emerging COVID-19 variants. This allows for the timely deployment of vaccines to protect the population against new strains of the virus.

Updates and Future Outlook

The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) recommends that the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines used for COVID-19 vaccination in Singapore are updated to their latest versions based on the Omicron XBB.1.5 variant, as they become available. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has also mentioned that the government is looking into the possibility of administering booster shots to individuals who have completed their vaccination regimen. The Straits Times reported that Singapore is in talks with vaccine manufacturers to secure updated bivalent vaccines that target both the Delta and Omicron variants.

It is important to note that while vaccination is a crucial tool in the fight against the pandemic, it is not a silver bullet. It is still important to practice good personal hygiene, such as wearing masks and washing hands frequently, and to follow public health policies and guidelines. By working together, we can help keep ourselves and our community safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

A split-screen comparison of Moderna and Pfizer vaccine vials with Singaporean landmarks in the background

Which COVID-19 booster shot is recommended for older individuals in Singapore?

If you are an older individual in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) recommends that you receive the Moderna vaccine as your booster shot. This is because the Moderna vaccine has shown to be more effective in providing protection against COVID-19 for older individuals.

What are the common side effects associated with the Pfizer vaccine?

Like with any vaccine, there may be some side effects associated with the Pfizer vaccine. The most common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days.

How does the efficacy of the Moderna vaccine compare to that of Pfizer’s?

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19. However, studies have shown that the Moderna vaccine may be slightly more effective in preventing severe cases of COVID-19. The Pfizer vaccine has an efficacy rate of 95%, while the Moderna vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1%.

What is the latest COVID-19 vaccine available in Singapore?

The latest COVID-19 vaccine available in Singapore is the Novavax vaccine, which received provisional authorization from the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) on 3 June 2022. The Novavax vaccine uses a different technology compared to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and requires two doses administered at least three weeks apart.

How can I register for the 4th booster shot in Singapore?

If you are eligible for the 4th booster shot in Singapore, you can register for it through the HealthHub app or website. You can also register at any vaccination centre or participating clinics.

Are there any differences in the recommended vaccines for various age groups in Singapore?

Yes, there are differences in the recommended vaccines for various age groups in Singapore. For example, the Pfizer vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 12 years and above, while the Moderna vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 18 years and above. The MOH recommends that older individuals receive the Moderna vaccine as their booster shot, as it has shown to be more effective in providing protection against COVID-19.