Assessment of Reports Linking COVID-19 Vaccines to Onset of Kidney Diseases in Patients with Renal Problems

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) whether there are incidences of severe kidney damage caused by COVID-19 which resulted in the need for dialysis; (b) whether the Ministry is aware of reports suggesting the possibility of links between COVID-19 vaccinations to the onset of kidney diseases in patients with renal problems; and (c) whether there are any related studies being done in Singapore.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: Severe infections and illnesses, particularly those requiring intensive care, can result in acute kidney injury that necessitates dialysis. This has also been observed for COVID-19 patients who became severely ill. Otherwise, COVID-19 has not been established to directly cause an increased risk of end-stage kidney disease requiring long-term dialysis. Likewise, there has been no established link, locally or internationally, between COVID-19 vaccines and kidney disease.