HPB's Cash Voucher Incentive for Those Who Successfully Refer Seniors Aged 60 and Older to Get Vaccinated
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether the Health Promotion Board’s $30 voucher for referring seniors for vaccination discriminates against those who persuaded their parents to get vaccinated earlier. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung explained that the voucher acknowledges the additional effort and costs, such as transportation, required to engage vaccine-hesitant seniors who need deeper persuasion. He noted that while many seniors vaccinated early, the remaining unvaccinated individuals require more assurance and support throughout the vaccination process. Since its launch on 13 August 2021, the programme successfully referred 550 seniors for their first dose within the first two weeks. Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung emphasized that this initiative supports national efforts to protect seniors from severe COVID-19 symptoms and enhance overall community safety.
Transcript
70 Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked the Minister for Health whether the introduction of the $30 HPB voucher as an incentive to those who successfully refer a senior aged 60 and older to get vaccinated discriminates against those who had persuaded their senior parents to get vaccinated earlier.
Mr Ong Ye Kung: Vaccination protects seniors from a higher risk of severe symptoms if infected with COVID-19. MOH has, therefore, pursued several initiatives to support seniors in getting vaccinated. For example, we have deployed mobile and home vaccination teams, many manned by volunteers.
During the initial stages of our vaccination programme, many seniors came forward to get vaccinated. However, as we attained higher vaccination rates, seniors who remain unvaccinated would require further persuasion and assurance. The Health Promotion Board (HPB)’s "Let’s Get Our Seniors Vaccinated" programme was launched to further support our national vaccination efforts.
Under the programme, a $30 voucher is given to each referrer to cover the costs involved in supporting seniors throughout the vaccination process, such as accompanying seniors to the vaccination centre. This is a token amount that acknowledges the additional effort needed to encourage seniors who may be vaccine-hesitant and require deeper engagement to address their concerns.
In the first two weeks of launching the programme on 13 August 2021, about 550 seniors were successfully referred for their first dose of vaccination. This is an encouraging outcome and we hope that more seniors will come forward for their vaccination with the support from referrers.
We thank the many people who have stepped forward to help in our national vaccination programme in many different ways. With every extra person vaccinated, all of us are better protected.