MOH sets expiry date for ‘fully vaccinated’ status to 270 days

The policy will take effect on 14 February.

Singaporeans who fail to get booster shots within a specific period will lose their “fully vaccinated” status under the Ministry of Health’s new policy which will take effect on 14 February.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that the “full vaccinated” status of an individual will only last for 270 days or nine months “after the last dose of vaccine of the primary series.”

Ong said fully vaccinated individuals can receive booster shots 150 days or five months after taking their second dose of mRNA or third dose of Sinovac/Sinopharm vaccine.

“The full vaccination status accorded after two doses of mRNA vaccines and three doses of Sinovac/Sinopharm vaccines, cannot last in perpetuity. The protection will wane after a few months and needs to be restored with a booster,” Ong said.

Losing a fully vaccinated status will affect an individual's access to “vaccination-differentiated venues such as malls, restaurants, libraries etc..”

Meanwhile, Ong clarified that until 13 February, an individual will still be deemed as fully vaccinated regardless of how long ago they received their two doses of mRNA or three doses of Sinovac/Sinopharm vaccines.

“From 14 February 2022, if your last vaccine dose was taken before 20 May 2021 (i.e. 270 days or nine months ago), your full vaccination status will lapse. To maintain your full vaccination status, you would need to take a booster vaccine dose before the deadline of 14 February 2022,” he further explained.

Ong then invited those who have completed their primary series vaccination regime about five months ago to get their boosters.

Based on the latest data provided by the MOH, more than 42% of Singapore's population have already received their boosters.

Amongst those eligible, 78% have taken up boosters.