SINGAPORE (CNA) – Healthcare institutions began offering the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine amid “overwhelming” demand from the public.
More than 6,000 individuals have registered their interest to receive the Sinopharm vaccine at IHH Healthcare Singapore’s facilities, said its chief operating officer Dr Noel Yeo on Monday.
These individuals indicated their interest over the past month, Dr Yeo told reporters at a vaccination exercise held at Gleneagles Hospital, one of the firm’s hospitals. IHH Healthcare Singapore has imported more than 10,000 doses of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine so far, said Dr Yeo, describing the vaccine as “popular”.
“We were aware there is a demand for alternative vaccines. However, the response for Sinopharm has been overwhelming so far,” he said.
“We are already assessing the need to reapply for more doses to meet the demand.”
IHH Healthcare will also offer the Sinopharm vaccine at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and Parkway Shenton clinics in Duxton and One Raffles Quay, Dr Yeo said.
About 50 people were invited for their vaccination on Monday, after vaccines arrived earlier than expected on Friday night, he said.
Others who have made appointments will be able to get their vaccination from today, he added.
Gleneagles Hospital will be able to vaccinate up to 150 individuals at full capacity, he added.
Appointment slots at Clearbridge Medical Group’s Medic Surgical and Laser Clinic – which also began offering the Sinopharm vaccine on Monday – were mostly booked, said a spokesperson. The clinic started accepting registrations for appointments on August 9.
“We are seeing good interest in the vaccines and have been actively reaching out to interested patients to get their vaccinations undertaken at the clinic based on an appointment format,” the spokesperson said.
