Frequently Asked Questions On COVID-19 Booster Shots

A booster shot is a supplementary dose of an immunizing agent administered as an injection. In particular, the COVID-19 (coronavirus) booster vaccine shot helps improve your protection after receiving your first two doses of the vaccine. It aids in providing long-term protection against getting seriously ill from COVID-19.

Before getting your booster shot, it is best to educate yourself about the frequent questions surrounding it. On that note, here are the answers to the frequently asked questions on COVID-19 booster shots.

1. WHO CAN GET THE BOOSTER SHOT?

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the following people are recommended to receive a booster shot of a PSAR-authorized mRNA vaccine after completing their primary series.

a. People aged 30 years and above,
b. Residents of aged care facilities*,
c. Healthcare and frontline workers*, and
d. People and staff in institutionalized settings*

Note: *Must be 18 years old and over.

2. WILL PEOPLE BELOW THE AGE OF 30 BE OFFERED THE BOOSTER SHOT?

At the time of writing, individuals aged 29 and below are not yet recommended to receive the booster shot. However, there are exceptions to this. People who are 18 years old and over are recommended to receive the booster vaccination if they are healthcare workers, frontline workers, or if they belong to institutionalized settings. Exceptions were given to people who are at high risk of infection.

Alongside EC19V, MOH states that it will continue to monitor data and will update the recommendations when necessary.

3. HOW CAN YOU REGISTER FOR YOUR BOOSTER SHOT?

The booster shot or booster dose is recommended to be taken from six months after you have received the initial two doses of your COVID-19 vaccine. People who are eligible for booster shots will be gradually invited to receive their vaccination through SMS. An SMS with a personalized link will be sent to your handphone number. Please use it to book for an appointment on vaccine.gov.sg.

Eligible seniors aged 60 years and above (i.e., have met the recommended window of about six months after their second dose) will be able to walk into any Vaccination Centre or participating Public Health Preparedness Clinic (PHPC). They can step inside these establishments without a prior appointment to receive their booster shot. People who belong to this category are recommended to get a booster shot as the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age.

4. DOES YOUR BOOSTER SHOT HAVE TO BE OF THE SAME BRAND AS YOUR FIRST 2 DOSES?

According to Singapore’s director of medical services Kenneth Mak, taking a different brand of mRNA vaccine as a booster will lead to an equally effective outcome as receiving the same brand of COVID-19 vaccine. He assured the public of its safety by speaking from his personal experience. At a press conference last November 8, he shared that he was able to receive the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for his first two doses and the Moderna vaccine for his booster dose.

He said: “This is perfectly safe and provides adequate continued protection against COVID-19. If you are eligible, get your booster vaccinations within the range of vaccines available that the expert committee has recommended.”

5. WHAT IS THE DOSAGE USED FOR THE BOOSTER VACCINATION?

The dosages for booster vaccinations differ per type. For instance, the booster dose of the Moderna vaccine is 50 mcg. It is less than the dose given to the first two doses. On the other hand, the booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the same as that used for the first two doses. Recipients of this booster will get a dosage of 30 mcg.

6. DO YOU NEED TO RECEIVE A BOOSTER SHOT IF YOU ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED?

People who are immunocompromised are already required to receive three doses as part of the primary series. According to MOH, they are recommended to receive a booster dose of PSAR mRNA vaccine. They must receive the booster dose from six months after the completion of their three-dose enhanced primary series.

7. ARE YOU RECOMMENDED TO RECEIVE A THIRD DOSE IF YOU ALREADY RECEIVED TWO DOSES OF SINOVAC/SINOPHARM?

Individuals who received two doses of Sinovac/Sinopharm are recommended to receive a dose of the PSAR mRNA vaccine as a booster. This is only if the individuals are not contraindicated to receive the mRNA vaccines.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Most Affordable Dental Clinics In Singapore

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” – Martin Charnin

Despite being a nerve-wrecking affair, going to the dentist on a regular basis is recommended by experts. Here is a list of the places you can visit for dental check-up, oral maintenance, and more.

#1: NTUC HEALTH DENTICARE

Formerly known as Unity Denticare, NTUC Health Denticare has a rich history of being a household name for affordable dental services. This institution is a part of the NTUC Health, Singapore’s largest healthcare cooperative, since 1971. NTUC Health Denticare has eighteen dental clinics and two mobile dental clinics. Find a branch that is most convenient for you.

Consultation costs about S$25 to S$35. While scaling and polishing costs about S$50 to S$110. Subsidies are available if you carry Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, or CHAS cards.

Locations: 18 clinics islandwide

#2: Q & M DENTAL GROUP SINGAPORE

One of the most widespread dental brands in Singapore is Q & M Dental Group. With over seventy dental clinics across the country and a pool of more than two-hundred dentists and specialists, you will be able to find a branch near to you.

Consultation costs about S$21.40 and consultation with specialists starts costs about S$37.45. This price can go up. Scaling and polishing start from S$74.90. Thus, your total bill can be at least S$96.30. Subsidies are available if you carry Pioneer Generation, Merdeka Generation, or CHAS cards.

Locations: Click here

#3: PKWY DENTAL PRACTICE

The PKWY Dental Practice used to be called the Parkway Dental Practice. PKWY Dental Practice is located at the heart of Orchard. Despite being surrounded by overpriced dental clinics, it offers a friendlier price for nearby residents.

A consultation including scaling and polishing costs about S$80 to S$160. If you are a first-time client, you can avail the S$88 package that includes consultation, scaling, polishing, and x-ray.

Location: 9 Scotts Road, #12-02 Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210

#4: AZURE DENTAL

Create a pleasant and stress-free dental experience with your beloved kids at Azure Dental. It is a child-friendly dental clinic equipped with booster seats for children to sit comfortably. There is also a free all-you-can-drink coffee and tea in the waiting area. This is ideal for parents who are waiting for their children’s appointments to be over.

Consultation starts at S$32. While scaling and polishing services range from S$96 to S$160.

Location: 781 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269759

#5: SINGHEALTH AND NHG POLYCLINICS

If you are looking for a dental option for regular check-up and oral maintenance, search no further than the neighborhood polyclinic. Neighborhood polyclinics offer subsidized dental treatment and care. Both SingHealth and National Healthcare Group polyclinics have dental services, and it is easy to make an appointment online.

Consultation fees range between S$14.10 to S$27 for Singaporean citizens. Children and elderly pay S$8.25 to S$16.80. Lastly, emergency dental consultation fees are up to S$31.20 for Singaporean citizens. Children and elderly pay about S$28.20 for emergency dental consultation.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

These are the specific prices:

SingHealth
Singaporean adults: S$16 to S$28.60
Children and elderly: S$8.25 to S$14.90

NHG
Singaporean adults: S$16.50 to S$27.80
Children and elderly: S$10.60 to S$16.80

Sources: 1 & 2

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COVID-19 Self-Test Kits Will Be Sold At 3 Pharmacies From June 16

Key Highlights

  • The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has granted interim authorization for four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits.
  • These self-test kits will be available from June 16 at Guardian, Watsons, and Unity pharmacies.
  • Sales will be initially limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

In line with Singapore’s strategy to increase the rate of testing and to quickly detect COVID-19 cases, self-administered test kits will go on sale from June 16. These self-test kits will be helpful for front-liners who want to test themselves frequently or for individuals who are concerned about being infected.

The four Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits include the Abbott PanBio COVID-19 Antigen Self-test, SD Biosensor SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Self-Test Nasal, QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test, and SD Biosensor Standard Q COVID-19 Ag Home Test.

These self-test kits can be used by consumers to detect active SARS-CoV-2 infection in nasal swab samples. ARTs can generally achieve a sensitivity of about 80% for cases with higher viral loads and a specificity range of 97-100%. Since these self-test kits are meant to be used by consumers (i.e., even without training), they can be bought without a physician’s prescription.

WHERE TO BUY

The self-test kits will be available at selected Guardian, Unity, and Watsons outlets islandwide. More retail locations will soon carry the self-test kits. This will be done in a progressive fashion.

A recent interview of a Dairy Farm Group spokesperson stated that the Abbott PanBioTM COVID-19 Antigen Self-test and the QuickVue At-Home OTC COVID-19 Test will be available at selected Guardian outlets. All 79 Guardian stores with an in-store pharmacy will carry the COVID-19 self-test kits including the Guardian store at the Giant outlet in Suntec City.

THE COST OF PURCHASE

A spokesperson for Watsons stressed that it would adhere to the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) recommended guidelines for the selling price of the self-test kits. Thus, the price range is from S$10 to S$13 per self-test kit. Prices will depend on the size of the pack purchased.

To ensure that there will be “adequate supplies for all”, the Health Ministry’s Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak said that sales will initially be limited to 10 self-test kits per person.

HOW IT WORKS

Start by collecting your nasal sample using the swabs provided in the self-test kits. Then, prepare the nasal sample with the extraction buffer tube provided. Once your sample is ready, you should examine the test device and read the results. Do not worry about the waiting time! The Health Ministry said that these ART self-test kits produce results in less than 20 minutes.

Please carefully read the instructions that come with these kits to get valid results. Consumers who test negative on their self-test kits should continue to adhere to the prevailing safe management measures.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

While those who test positive on their self-test kits should immediately approach a Swab and Send Home Public Health Preparedness Clinic (SASH PHPC). SASH PHPC will conduct a confirmatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test. You are required to self-isolate until you get a negative PCR test result.

Sources: 1 & 2

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6 Ways To Practice Self-Care On A Tight Budget

Looking for ways to prioritize your physical and mental health is paramount during these times. It is easy to think that self-care means giving yourself expensive experiences or tools, but self-care can be free or low-cost. So long as you are more intentional with your choices, you will be able to tap into what your body truly craves for.

#1: PLAN A NATURE WALK

Research has shown that nature helps us cope with stress and pain. We are genetically wired to find natural elements such as plants and water engrossing. Being absorbed with the beauty of natural sceneries can distract us from discomfort and pain.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Nature can help slow down the internal rush that affects our feelings, especially when you are inside your home for too long. Planning a nature walk may help you with that. Get up close and personal with nature by embarking one of the walking or cycling trails in the parks, gardens, and park connectors.

#2: TRY AT-HOME WORKOUTS

Several gyms and fitness studios have postponed their operations last month due to the spike in community cases. When this happens, you can explore different at-home workouts. You can either take online group classes in your favorite fitness center or search thru YouTube and Instagram for free workout videos.

It might take more self-discipline to become your own motivator, but you will have the flexibility to workout whenever you want.

#3: EXAMINE YOUR HABITS

Examine your current and old habits. Evaluate whether these are healthy for you or not. Think about the long-term effects of each habit too. A simple shift in your routine can offer the same pleasure as a new purchase.

For instance, you habitually frequent the nearby Starbucks every morning. Upon evaluating this habit, you realized that you will be able to save more money if you made your own coffee at home. You switched to having your own coffee ritual and enjoyed it a lot.

Bringing awareness into your habits will enable you to see whether you are paying for something that you do not love or need anymore.

#4: MEET WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Self-care does not mean being completely self-sufficient. Instead, staying connected with the people you love will help reduce the loneliness you are feeling from being indoors for a long period of time. Stay connected with your loved ones by hosting Zoom/Skype hangouts or by creating a group chat.

Reintegrating yourself in your community after all the pandemic restrictions can help remind you that leaning on others for support is self-care. Best of all? It does not have to cost anything.

#5: PRACTICE MEDITATION

Many studies have highlighted the benefits of meditation. It helps improve focus, concentration, memory, and reduce stress. Relaxation techniques such as medication can be added to your holistic self-care.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Try breathing deeply as you follow through a guided meditation video online. You can also download free meditation apps like Calm and Headspace.

#6: SAVE MONEY

You read that right! Apart from working out in your own home or practicing relaxation techniques, you can take care of yourself by saving money. Financial struggles affect our physical and mental health. Not having enough money can affect your ability to pay for important health procedures or nutritious food.

Cushion the stress of financial woes by sticking to your budget and saving money. Sticking to your budget feels better than impulsively purchasing beyond your means.

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7 Exercises You Can Do At Home While In Quarantine

As new COVID-19 cases continue to emerge in the country, the World Health Organization has urged individuals to stay healthy while in self-quarantine. In Singapore, all fitness centers and stadiums have been closed. Running outdoors does not require wearing a mask. However, walking outside of your house does.

Staying at home for prolonged periods of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Do not succumb to the negative health effects of sedentary behavior! Exercise at home!

#1: JUMP ROPE

There is a reason why boxers incorporate the classic jump rope to their training. It improves a range of skills such as balance, stamina, endurance, and coordination. Not to mention, this lightweight and tangle-resistant rope is adjustable for different heights.

#2: MEDICINE BALL

While I will not require you to spend a huge amount of money on a full set of medicine balls, you may invest in one or two of them. Medicine balls are about the size of a Basketball, but can weigh from 2 to 30 pounds. Use these weighted balls to support your ab exercises. Ultimately, it is fantastic for building your upper-body power. Try throwing it against the wall or to a partner.

#3: CARDIO WORKOUT

For only 7 minutes, you will be able to compete a full-body workout using the free app called Seven. According to the website: “Seven’s workouts are based on scientific studies to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible.” Tailor-made workouts target your goal areas to make sure you get the most out of your training.

#4: RESISTANCE BANDS

Resistance bands are cheap, convenient, and light. They retail for about S$3.90 at Decathlon. Toss a couple of resistance bands in your drawer to enjoy the 20 to 50 pounds of resistance in aid of your strength training. Research about the poses that you can do with it.

#5: 3-MOVE CARDIO CHALLENGE

Created by Eisinger, this 3-Move Cardio Workout for beginners will help you get your day started. It consists of the skater, three-point toe touch, and flutter kick. If you are starting out, try each move for 30 seconds with a pause of 30 seconds in between. You may increase the length of each move as you get the hang of these exercises.

Full workout here.

#6: PILATES

My mother is a Pilates instructor. She believes that a Pilates workout is helpful for your core and glutes muscles. Small and controlled movements are essential to hone specific muscles. Complete the 10-minute Pilates workout once or twice a week.

Full workout here.

#7: YOGA

I am a firm believer of the benefits of rhythmic breathing with a series of flowing movements. This practice is called Yoga. Empty your mind as you focus on the physical aspects of this discipline. Moreover, you will be able to enhance your flexibility and balance. Since I cannot practice Hot Yoga anymore, I delight myself with a couple of Yoga exercises found in YouTube. Choose a video length and a difficulty level that you are most comfortable in.

Start small with EkhartYoga:


You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

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