Coronavirus: SafePass change on Monday for laggards who snubbed second jab

As of Monday, people who failed to return for their second Covid jab will be considered unvaccinated and must pay for their rapid tests, which are free for the vaccinated.

The decree providing for the change comes into effect on Monday, the health ministry reminded.

The policy shift was prompted by the 11,000 or so who received their first dose but did not proceed with their second shot.

The ministry said vaccination with only the first dose offers less coverage and is not as effective against variants.

The period between shots for Pfizer recipients is three weeks, four for Moderna and eight for AstraZeneca.

Those who have not had their second shot were given until October 18 to do so for their SafePass to remain valid.

From then, they will join the unvaccinated and will need a test less than 72 hours old to fully take part in society without restriction on their movements.

The first-dosers who wish to do so, can line up for their second jab at any walk-in centre.