“To date, more than 17 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in Singapore through the National Vaccination Programme, and this is the first death related to COVID-19 vaccination locally,” said the ministry.
According to the latest vaccine safety update by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA), MOH said the incidence of myocarditis remains rare with reporting rates of 0.1 per 100,000 doses (or 0.0001 per cent) for the bivalent vaccines; and 1.1 per 100,000 doses (or 0.0011 per cent) for the primary vaccination series of the monovalent vaccines.
As a precautionary measure, since September 2021, vaccinated people are advised to avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise for two weeks after vaccination to mitigate the potential risk of myocarditis.
“People with chest discomfort, abnormal heartbeats or any other symptoms that arise after vaccination, should seek medical attention promptly,” said MOH.
“This will enable early diagnosis and appropriate medical management of any rare severe adverse events that may occur after vaccination.”
MOH, the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination and HSA will continue to monitor vaccine-related serious adverse events closely, said the ministry.