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Who may apply for VIFAP?
Singapore citizens, permanent residents or long-term pass holders who have been recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under the National Vaccination Programme, and who experienced a serious side effect assessed by a doctor to be related to the COVID-19 vaccination received in Singapore [1], may apply for VIFAP.
[1] Using COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme which are registered under the Health Products Act or authorised under the Health Sciences Authority’s Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR). COVID-19 vaccinations received under the Private Vaccination Programme are not eligible for the VIFAP.
Which vaccines are included under VIFAP?
COVID-19 vaccines administered under the National Vaccination Programme and in accordance with the recommended dosing by the Expert Committee of COVID-19 Vaccination are included under the VIFAP. Currently, these include (i) Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine, (ii) Moderna/Spikevax vaccine, (iii) Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine [1], and (iv) Novavax/Nuvaxovid vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations received under the Private Vaccination Programme are not eligible for the VIFAP.
[1] Refers to Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccinations received under the National Vaccination Programme from 23 October 2021.
What is considered a ‘serious side effect’ that qualifies for VIFAP?
A serious side effect is one that required inpatient hospitalisation, or caused permanent severe disability, or was fatal. Persons who experience such side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination may apply for assistance. All applications will be reviewed by an independent clinical panel for the severity and relatedness of the side effect to the COVID-19 vaccine received.
How much financial assistance will be provided? Will it fully pay for the medical treatment attributed to the serious side effects caused by the vaccine?
The amount of financial assistance provided is fixed and dependent on the severity of the serious side effect, as indicated in the table below. Pay-out will be based on the highest quantum eligible, and persons will be eligible for one pay-out only e.g. only $225,000 for death and permanent severe disability, regardless of hospital stay or treatment.
| | Type of Serious Side Effect | One-time Pay-out Amount |
| 1 | Results in death or permanent severe disability | $225,000 |
| 2 | Requires admission to High Dependency or Intensive Care, with subsequent recovery
| $10,000 |
| 3 | Requires inpatient hospitalisation, with subsequent recovery
(Excluding visits to A&E, without subsequent inpatient admission)
| $2,000 |
The VIFAP is a goodwill financial assistance scheme that is independent of existing healthcare financing and insurance schemes. The VIFAP provides an additional layer of financial support for patients who had suffered from serious side effects caused by the vaccine.
The VIFAP is not meant to reimburse medical costs associated with the serious side effect. Individuals who experience side effects after their COVID-19 vaccination can continue to receive support through applicable healthcare financing schemes, such as MediShield Life and subsidies at our public healthcare institutions. Persons with private insurance may wish to check with their insurance provider on their coverage details.
How do I apply for VIFAP?
You may apply for VIFAP through online submission of applications
here.
All applications must be supported by the assessment of a medical doctor. As part of your submission, you are required to provide the “Request for Medical Information” form which must be completed by your primary attending doctor. You may download the “Request for Medical Information” form here and request your doctor to complete it and return to you [1]. Applications will not be processed in the absence of a completed Request for Medical Information form.
For persons under the age of 21 years, the application must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian. For persons under disability or deceased, the application may be submitted by a next-of-kin, donee, deputy or administrator on the vaccinated person’s behalf.
Applications must be submitted no later than 3 years from the date of occurrence of the serious side effect.
If you are unable to submit your application online, please contact the Ministry of Health hotline at 1800-333-9999, and a hardcopy application form will be mailed to you.
[1] Doctors have been informed that they should not charge any fees for the completion of the “Request for Medical Information” form. The Ministry of Health may contact your doctor directly if further clarifications or information are required. Applications with incomplete or insufficient information on the "Request for Medical Information" form will not be processed.
How long is the processing time for applications?
Online applications may generally take about 10 weeks to be processed upon receipt of a complete set of supporting documents including application form, proof of identity and the “Request for Medical Information” form. The complexity of the serious side effect and the completeness of the application submitted may also affect the processing time.
How will I know the outcome of my application?
An independent clinical panel appointed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) will review and assess your application to determine if you are eligible for assistance.
MOH will formally inform you of the outcome of your application via email or post.
How will I receive the pay-out upon successful application of the assistance? How long will it take to receive the pay-out?
For successful applications, MOH will contact the applicant with the necessary paperwork to process the pay-out to a nominated bank account. Upon receipt of the completed paperwork, payment will be made to the bank account.
If my medical condition arising from the serious side effect worsens after I have received a pay-out, can I request for additional financial assistance?
If you experience a worsening in your medical condition arising from the serious side effect after receiving a pay-out, and have new information on the side effect from your doctor, you may submit an application for reassessment
here.
All applications for reassessment must be supported by new medical information on the serious side effect. As part of your submission, you are required to provide the “
Request for Medical Information” form which must be completed by your primary attending doctor. You may download the “Request for Medical Information” form
here and request your doctor to complete it and return to you [1]. Applications will not be processed in the absence of a completed Request for Medical Information form.
[1] Doctors have been informed that they should not charge any fees for the completion of this form. The Ministry of Health may contact your doctor if further clarifications or information are required. Applications with incomplete or insufficient information on the "Request for Medical Information" form will not be processed.Why are serious side effects arising from COVID-19 vaccinations received under the Private Vaccination Programme (PVP) not eligible for the VIFAP?
The provision of COVID-19 vaccinations under the PVP is a private arrangement between the Vaccinated Person and his/her attending doctor. Persons who wish to receive vaccination under the PVP should discuss the benefits and risks of receiving the vaccination against the risk of COVID-19 infection with their doctors.