SINGAPORE – Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong received his first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine today.
On his facebook account, Lee said he got the jab together with the republic’s Health Ministry medical services director Prof Kenneth Mak.
“We got vaccinated early to show Singaporeans that we are confident that the vaccine is safe and effective,” wrote the prime minister.
He appended his posting with a video of him taking the shot at Singapore General Hospital.
“Prof Mak and I were monitored for 30 minutes after the jab, just in case we develop any side effects, e.g. allergic reactions. Happy to report that we both feel fine.”
Lee also noted that the republic has begun vaccinating healthcare workers at public healthcare institutions today.
“We aim to start vaccinating elderly people from next month, and then other Singaporeans and long-term residents.
“Vaccinations are voluntary, but I hope that when it’s your turn, you will go for it. It will be free, it will protect you and your family, and it will help keep everyone safe,” he said, before ending his posting with his initials, LHL.
The first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines arrived in Singapore on December 21.
The republic began its inoculation programme on December 30, with healthcare workers at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases being the first to get the shots. – Bernama, January 8, 2021
