More news about vaccine mandates is out. It’s been just revealed that Singapore will no longer cover medical bills for covid 19 patients who have chosen not to get vaccinated.
The government, which has been covering the full cost of covid care for Singaporean citizens and permanent or long-term residents during the pandemic, just revealed the new policy this week.
Boosting vaccination rates
This was reportedly made in an effort to boost already-high vaccination rates and relieve steady pressure on the country’s health care system.
“Currently, unvaccinated persons make up a sizeable majority of those who require intensive inpatient care, and disproportionately contribute to the strain on our healthcare resources.”
This is what a press release from the Singapore Ministry of Health said. The notes continued:
“Hence, from 8 December 2021, we will begin charging COVID-19 patients who are unvaccinated by choice.”
It’s been also revealed that the new rule will apply to eligible but unvaccinated patients (ages 12 and up) admitted to hospitals and designated covid treatment facilities.
According to the notes, the government will still cover covid-related medical bills for children under 12, as well as people who are over age 12 but medically ineligible for vaccination.
“That includes cancer patients and individuals who have received an organ transplant in the past three months and/or are taking intensive immunotherapy drugs, as well as those who are allergic to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine or had a severe adverse reaction to the first dose, per the Ministry of Health.”
Pfizer pushes for a booster vaccine
Now, it’s been revealed that Pfizer and German partner BioNTech are planning to seek authorization for their vaccine booster shot for anyone 18 or over living in the U.S., according to a new report, a move that would greatly expand the program and boost protection levels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine tracker is showing that 194 million Americans are fully vaccinated, equal to 58% of the overall population.
Stay tuned for more news about these subjects.
