News analysis

Post-vaccine infections and reinfections could happen, say experts

But vaccine recipients have shown greatly reduced risk of hospitalisation and death

A worker at Westlite Woodlands dorm. Experts say those who have received both jabs are also less likely to spread the infection to others. Workers waiting to move out of Westlite Woodlands dormitory last Thursday. The Ministry of Health said that 17
Workers waiting to move out of Westlite Woodlands dormitory last Thursday. The Ministry of Health said that 17 workers residing at the dormitory, who had recovered from Covid-19 infections, were found to be infected again. Others are being tested. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
A worker at Westlite Woodlands dorm. Experts say those who have received both jabs are also less likely to spread the infection to others. Workers waiting to move out of Westlite Woodlands dormitory last Thursday. The Ministry of Health said that 17
A worker at Westlite Woodlands dorm. Experts say those who have received both jabs are also less likely to spread the infection to others. ST PHOTO: YONG LI XUAN
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The past week has delivered a Covid-19 shocker to Singapore, not just because of the increase in community cases - there were 10 - but also the infections in people who had been vaccinated or who had been previously infected.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said last Thursday that 17 workers residing in Westlite Woodlands dormitory who had recovered from Covid-19 infections were found to be infected again. Others are now being tested.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 28, 2021, with the headline Post-vaccine infections and reinfections could happen, say experts. Subscribe