Coronavirus: Walk-in centres open for booster shots (updated)

People above 86 will be given a third dose of a Covid vaccine at walk-in centres starting Wednesday, pending the operation of the vaccination portal, the health ministry announced on Tuesday.

The roll-out of the third dose to those aged 65 and older will start this week, following a decision earlier this month, and also includes people living in nursing homes, health professionals, and vulnerable groups.

The third dose is administered after a minimum of six months from the second dose with the exclusion of people belonging to vulnerable groups who can receive the third dose four weeks after the completion of vaccination, the ministry said.

Appointments through the vaccination portal are expected to be made available at the beginning of October, it added.

In the announcement, the ministry reiterated that only mRNA vaccines Pfizer and Moderna will be used for the booster jab, irrespective of the type administered initially.

The following walk-in centres will operate between Monday and Thursday from 8am to 1pm:

The ministry urged those aged 86 and above interested in receiving the additional dose to visit the walk-ins throughout the day to avoid congestion and long waiting times.

People must also present identification documents before vaccination.

After completing vaccination of the particular age group, and “depending on the interest”, the health ministry will issue announcements for other age groups.

Eligible for vaccination with the additional dose are people who have completed their vaccination by March 31, 2021, and fall into the age group that is announced each time.

According to the most recent update by the health ministry, 2,793 people have been vaccinated with the third dose, including 1,752 living in nursing homes, 510 health professionals in state hospitals, and 531 people belonging to vulnerable groups who have priority.