Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has recently announced that it has introduced a Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) to help Singaporean residents with the costs of treating adverse side effects and reactions to the Covid-19 vaccinations that have been approved for use in the island nation.
What is the need for such a scheme?
The Covid-19 vaccines being administered in Singapore, can have side effects like most vaccines and in some serious cases, reactions like anaphylaxis can occur. With this in mind, the Singaporean Ministry of Health has said they are rolling out VIFAP in order to help bring peace of mind to those taking the COVID-19 vaccine.
How much will such patients be compensated?
- A hospitalised patient who needs to be placed in the High Dependency or Intensive Care Unit for significant side effects but who recovers subsequently will receive at $10,000 payout.
- If permanent severe disability occurs or an individual passes away as a result of the vaccine, then a one-time payout of $225,000 will be provided.
It is important to note that the MOH has made clear that anyone who experiences a serious side effect after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can also avail themselves of the relevant healthcare schemes that already exist, such as MediShield Life and government subsidies at public healthcare facilities.
Who will be eligible for VIFAP?
To receive the VIFAP, you must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen, Permanent Resident or Long-Term Pass Holder (Employment Pass holder, S-Pass holder, Work Permit holder, Foreign Domestic Worker, Dependant’s Pass holder, Long-Term Visit Pass holder or Student Pass holder).
- Have received an approved Covid-19 vaccination in Singapore. Display potentially life-threatening or fatal side effects.
- Have side effects that require hospitalisation or have caused persistent incapacity or disability.
- Have a doctor link the side effects to your Covid-19 vaccination.
An independent panel of experts in the fields of neurology, immunology and infectious diseases has been appointed to adjudicate VIFAP applications. This is to consolidate the assessments of the treating doctors, on the severity of the side effects, about which opinions can tend to be broad.
Singapore COVID-19 Vaccine Figures
- More than 256 000 doses of vaccines have been administered as of February 10th.
- More than 175 000 people have received their first dose of the vaccine as of February 2nd. (MOH)
- More than 6000 people have completed the full vaccination regime after completing the second dose as of February 2nd. (MOH)
- There have been 432 “adverse health reports” from healthcare professionals. (MOH)
- 3 people suffered from anaphylaxis. All of them recovered after a day in the hospital and have been discharged. (MOH)
- There are 0 reported deaths so far.
Global Figures
- More than 173 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in 77 countries as of February 15th. (Bloomberg.com)
Learn more about APRIL International's health insurance plans and COVID-19 coverage
COVID-19 has raised a lot of questions about how tests, treatment and other related costs are covered by health insurance companies, for more information on how these expenses are covered by APRIL International you can review our COVID-19 FAQ here.