A mass exercise to vaccinate 37,000 front-line workers in the aviation and maritime sectors began on January 18 in Singapore, and is expected to be completed within two months.
This week, around 13,000 workers have registered to get their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine this week, said Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung to reporters.
If enough workers in the aviation and maritime sectors is vaccinated, “whoever comes through will know that it is safe, said the Minister.
In addition, vaccinating front-line workers will also protect Singapore, as while the situation there is largely under control, the virus is raging across the world.
The Singaporean authorities have ensured enough vaccine doses to cover this key group of workers.
The T4 centre, where the vaccination will take place, can vaccinate up to 2,000 people a day, and its capacity can be further expanded.
Currently, priority will be given to about 20,000 front-line workers, including cabin crew, cleaners, security screeners and baggage handlers.
When Asked about staff who may be unwilling to take the vaccine, Mr Ong said there will be some who are reluctant to do so, but the majority are willing to step forward.
By the end of February, a total of eight vaccination centres will be set up in Singapore. In addition, another two centres at the former Hong Kah Secondary School and Woodlands Galaxy Community Club are slated to open this week.
More centres are in the works and will open in tandem with the arrival of vaccine shipments.
