COVID-19 booster shot needed to maintain fully vaccinated status

“From now to Feb 13, 2022, as long as you have taken two doses of mRNA or three doses of the Sinovac, Sinopharm vaccine, regardless of how long ago you have received those jabs, you will still be deemed as fully vaccinated," he said.

“Then on Feb 14, 2022, if your last vaccine dose was taken before May 20, 2021 - that is 270 days or nine months ago - your full vaccination status will lapse.

"So to maintain your full vaccination status, you will need to take a booster vaccine dose before the deadline of Feb 14," Mr Ong added.

Those who have not reached the nine-month expiry by then, or who are medically ineligible for boosters, will not be affected.

Authorities are announcing this updated policy more than one month in advance so that those vaccination status may lapse next month will have a chance to get their booster jabs early and before the deadline, the minister said.

In a separate press release, authorities said those aged 18 and above who have completed the primary vaccination series and are eligible for a booster shot will hold a fully vaccinated status for 270 days after their last vaccine jab.

They are recommended to get a booster jab “from around five months thereafter … and no later than 270 days thereafter, to ensure an optimal level of protection,” it said.

“Upon receiving their booster, they will continue to be considered as fully vaccinated beyond the 270 days,” MOH said in its press release, noting that this is in line with recommendations from the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination.