Singapore Reports First Death Likely Linked to COVID-19 Vaccination

Singapore's Ministry of Health recently reported the first COVID-19 vaccine-related death after a 28-year-old Bangladeshi man reportedly died as a result of his vaccination against the virus.

"The State Coroner has ruled on 15 February 2023 that the death of a 28-year-old Bangladeshi male, who passed away 21 days after COVID-19 vaccination, was a medical misadventure. The cause of death was certified as myocarditis. The State Coroner also found that on the balance of probabilities, it was likely to be related to COVID-19 vaccination," the MOH said in a statement.

"Medical Misadventure"

The individual died 21 days after receiving his first dose of the Moderna-Spikevax COVID-19 vaccination on June 18, 2021, as per a statement from the ministry. He had collapsed at work earlier in the day, and on July 9 of that year, he passed away.

The State Coroner determined on Wednesday that the man's death was the result of a "medical misadventure," and myocarditis, which is a form of heart inflammation.

Without identifying the person's name, MOH stated that the coroner also concluded that, given the balance of probabilities, it was most likely due to receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.

Additionally, it stated that the national vaccination program in Singapore has provided more than 17 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to date and that this is the first local COVID-19 vaccine-related death.

Reducing Risks of Myocarditis

In the most recent Health Sciences Authority (HSA) vaccine safety update, the incidence of myocarditis was reported at 0.1 per 100,000 doses (or 0.0001%) for the bivalent vaccines that target several coronavirus strains.

The numbers are 1.1 per 100,000 doses for the monovalent vaccines' initial immunization series or 0.0011 percent.

According to the MOH, in order to reduce the risk of myocarditis, vaccinated individuals are advised to refrain from vigorous exercise or physical activity for two weeks following immunization in September 2021.

It also encouraged people to seek medical assistance right away if they have any post-vaccination symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeats, or other symptoms.

"Persons with chest discomfort, abnormal heartbeats or any other symptoms that arise after vaccination, should seek medical attention promptly. This will enable early diagnosis and appropriate medical management of any rare severe adverse events that may occur after vaccination," MOH reminded in the statement.

The Health Ministry adds that along with the expert group on COVID-19 vaccination and HSA, it would continue to monitor vaccine-related adverse events attentively.