Corrections and Clarifications Regarding Falsehoods on COVID-19 Vaccination

There are false statements on COVID-19 vaccination contained in multiple Facebook posts and a website, namely:

1. Posts published on the Facebook pages of Goh Meng Seng (Satu Singapura) and Goh Meng Seng People’s Power Party on 2 April 2021, implying that COVID-19 vaccination had caused or substantially contributed to a stroke suffered by a doctor;

2. Posts published on the Facebook pages of Goh Meng Seng (Satu Singapura) and Goh Meng Seng People’s Power Party on 7 April 2021, implying that COVID-19 vaccination had caused or substantially contributed to the death of an 81-year-old man; and

3. An article published on the Singapore Uncensored website on 7 April 2021 (and subsequently shared on the Facebook page of Singapore Uncensored the same day) stating that an 81-year-old man had passed away from alleged vaccination complications.

Falsehoods

MOH is aware of falsehoods circulating that the COVID-19 vaccination has clear and causal links with stroke and heart attack. In particular, there are allegations that a doctor had suffered a stroke and an 81-year-old man had passed away from heart attack as a consequence and result of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. These allegations are false.

We also note that there are third parties who have exploited the sharing of personal experiences by individuals, by reposting these personal accounts and making unsubstantiated claims about vaccine-related adverse reactions. They often continue to do so despite the original posts being removed or made private.

Facts

As of 14 April 2021, there is no credible evidence for an increased risk of heart attack or stroke with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines which are currently approved and offered in Singapore.

The medical team caring for the doctor has assessed that the doctor’s current condition is highly unlikely to be related to the COVID-19 vaccination, and Mount Elizabeth Hospital had issued a clarification on 4 April 2021.

The cause of death of the 81-year-old man was ischaemic heart disease (lack of blood circulation to the heart muscles). The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) Forensic Medicine Division has reported that based on post-mortem, there was no evidence of acute anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction at the injection site of the COVID-19 vaccine. There was extensive narrowing of the 3 main blood vessels supplying blood to the muscles of the heart due to atherosclerosis (build up of plaques over time in the blood vessels that obstruct blood flow).

COVID-19 vaccines that are used in Singapore have been assessed to be safe and efficacious by both the HSA and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination. Medical teams are well-equipped and measures are in place at all vaccination sites to ensure the safety of vaccine recipients pre-, during, and post-vaccination. All vaccine-related incidents are taken seriously and healthcare professionals are required to report these incidents expediently to the Ministry of Health and HSA.

Additional Clarifications

The Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme for COVID-19 Vaccination (VIFAP) provides one-time goodwill financial assistance to persons who experience serious side effects that are assessed to be related to COVID-19 vaccine administered in Singapore. To apply for VIFAP, individuals will need to submit an application accompanied by medical information on the serious side effect from their treating doctor. As the severity of serious side effects can be broad-ranging and the clinical assessment by doctors may vary, all VIFAP applications will be assessed and adjudicated by a MOH-appointed independent clinical panel comprising experts in relevant fields such as neurology, immunology, and infectious diseases. The VIFAP is not meant to reimburse medical costs. It provides an additional layer on financial support, on top of the existing government healthcare financing schemes for medical costs incurred, which include government subsidies, MediShield Life, MediSave, and MediFund. If you require assistance with your medical bill, please contact the social worker at your healthcare institution.

We advise members of the public not to speculate and/or spread unfounded rumors. Please visit www.moh.gov.sg for latest information on the COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations.