Non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines Currently under Evaluation by HSA for Use in Singapore and Expected Timeline for Release of These Alternatives

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health (a) what are the various non-mRNA COVID-19 vaccines that are currently under evaluation by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) for use in Singapore; and (b) what is the expected timeline for the release of each of these alternatives.

Singapore’s approach is to secure a diverse portfolio of vaccines to cater to the clinical needs of different segments of the population. This includes non-mRNA vaccines such as the inactivated vaccine by Sinovac and the protein-based vaccine by Novavax. The timeline for approval is dependent on the companies’ applications to HSA and the availability of data.

MOH and HSA are working with the manufacturers to facilitate their regulatory submissions. In the meantime, vaccines in the WHO Emergency Use Listing can be made available by private providers through the Special Access Route (SAR). Two non-MRNA vaccines have been made available under SAR.