Financial Assistance for Singaporeans Suffering from Psoriasis as Side Effect of COVID-19 Vaccination

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry can consider extending the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 Vaccination or other forms of financial assistance to Singaporeans who have suffered from psoriasis as a related side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, notwithstanding that it might not have resulted in any inpatient hospitalisation or any permanent severe disability.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Eligibility for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) is determined by an independent clinical panel, who will consider: (a) whether the side effect is likely to be caused by vaccination or other factors, such as underlying health conditions; and (b) the severity of the side effect caused by the vaccination.

A serious side effect is typically considered one that minimally required hospitalisation. Cases that were not hospitalised but require long-term follow-up, including that of skin conditions, are also reviewed for assistance on a case-by-case basis.