Impact of Differences between Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccines on Government’s Decisions in Purchasing and Allocation of Vaccines

Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for Health (a) how do the key differences between the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines influence the Government’s decision in purchasing and allocating vaccines; and (b) whether the Government will consider allowing residents a choice over which vaccine to use if it will impact their decision to be vaccinated.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: All vaccines approved for use in Singapore have met high safety and efficacy standards. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have both demonstrated a similarly high level of vaccine efficacy and have safety profiles consistent with that of other established and registered vaccines used in immunisation against other diseases. The Health Sciences Authority and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination had approved and endorsed both vaccines for use in Singapore. Both vaccines have also been widely used in other countries, such as the US, Canada and the UK.

We encourage all Singaporeans and long-term residents who are medically eligible to come forward for vaccination when your turn comes, so that as a society, we can keep each other safe from the disease.