The ABCs of XBB, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 Omicron Subvariants

BA.1; BA.1.1; BA.2; BA.2.12.1; BA.3;BA.4; BA.5….

The Omicron subvariants seem like an alphabet soup of letters and numbers; you are forgiven if you have given up keeping track.

However, there are a few strains that you should take note of if you live in Singapore: XBB, BQ.1 and BQ.1.1.

These are the new Omicron subvariants to hit our shores and are closely monitored due to their greater ability to evade immunity, allowing them to spread quickly.

Here’s a quick read to keep you up to date.

What to know about….

XBB

XBB is currently the predominant subvariant causing Covid-19 infections in Singapore.

XBB is better able to evade the immunity caused by vaccines and previous infections and its ability even outperforms its ancestor, BA.5, which was how it replaced the latter to be the dominant subvariant driving Covid-19 infections in the country.

On the bright side, a recent update from WHO states that there is currently no evidence that XBB causes more severe disease (i.e. how bad your symptoms or illness is upon infection) than the other Omicron family variants. There are also indications that the ongoing wave of Covid-19 infections driven by XBB has peaked and is shifting to a downward trend.

BQ.1 and BQ.1.1

BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 are also subvariants of the Omicron variant BA.5, with BQ.1.1 having just one mutation more than BQ.1.

Their additional mutations allow the viruses to dodge protective antibodies from prior infection or vaccination, similar to XBB. As a result, they are quickly gaining traction in the US, collectively accounting for 27% of infections as of October 29 and have also been identified in several countries in Europe. 4 imported cases of BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 have been confirmed in Singapore as well. WHO has therefore suggested that these two strains warrant close monitoring due to their transmissibility and potential to cause another spike in infections.

Currently, there is no data that suggests BQ.1/BQ.1.1 have increased disease severity upon infection.

Are current vaccines still effective?

Current vaccines are effective in preventing severe illness from these 2 strains, and it has been observed that people who are more recently boosted are less likely to be infected by newer variants.

If you want something more effective, you may consider receiving a booster shot with the newest bivalent vaccines which offer protection against both the original and Omicron variants.

Symptoms to be mindful of

XBB and BQ.1/BQ.1.1 infections have common COVID-19 symptoms associated with many of the Omicron subvariants:

1. Fever and body chills

2. Chronic fatigue and widespread body aches

3. Consistent headache

4. Cough

5. Sore throat

6. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

7. Respiratory congestion, including runny nose

8. Loss of taste or smell

9. Nausea or vomiting

10. Diarrhoea

If you experience any of the above symptoms and suspect that you are infected, visit any of our clinics:

Kovan Clinic

Address: 210 Hougang Street 21, #01-233, Singapore 530210

Landline: 6243 3036

Potong Pasir Clinic

Address: 51 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-29 The Poiz Centre, Singapore 347697

Landline: 6242 6384

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

Both clinics are open from 8 am to 12 pm.

Sources:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/cna-explains-bq1-bq11-omicron-subvariants-infectious-transmissible-vaccine-covid-19-vaccination-3028401

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-xbb-variant-omicron-bivalent-vaccines-protect-cna-explains-3004006

https://www.who.int/news/item/27-10-2022-tag-ve-statement-on-omicron-sublineages-bq.1-and-xbb

Bivalent vaccine: What you need to know

If you clicked on this article, you may be interested in getting vaccinated in Singapore with the newest bivalent COVID-19 vaccine.

However, you may have pressing questions like: What is the meaning of a bivalent vaccine? Is it safe? Am I eligible to receive a dose of this vaccine?

Fret not! We have summarised below what you need to know to help make your decision.

What is a bivalent vaccine?

A bivalent vaccine targets two variants of a virus. In the case of COVID-19, this means that a bivalent vaccine protects against both original and Omicron variants. It may give better protection against future variants as well.

It works the same way as the original COVID-19 vaccine where your body’s immune system learns to recognise and defend against the virus after receiving a dose.

How safe is it?

Currently, the only bivalent COVID-19 vaccine available in Singapore is the bivalent Moderna/Spikevax vaccine.

According to a press release about this vaccine by MOH, it is authorised by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and is recommended by the expert committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) for the primary vaccination series and booster vaccination. Hence, be rest assured that thorough reviews were done before it was approved for use.

In addition, the safety profile of this vaccine is consistent with that of its predecessor, with mostly mild to moderate side effects such as pain at the injection site, fatigue and muscle pain.

Am I eligible for the bivalent vaccine?

You are eligible if you are:

o Above 18 years of age

o Have yet to receive a booster dose

o Had completed your last booster dose from around 5 months to a year

Is it available now?

The bivalent Moderna/Spikevax vaccine was made available from 14 October 2022, and the bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine is expected to be available by the end of this year.

How can I get vaccinated in Singapore?

Our clinic in Kovan currently carries the original series Pfizer-BioNTech/Comniranty vaccine while our Potong Pasir branch offers the paid Sinopharm vaccine. Stay tuned as we are looking to offer the new bivalent vaccines in our new upcoming clinics. Bivalent vaccines are only available at selected centers (www.vaccine.gov.sg)

Make an appointment with Intemedical via the following channels:

Online appointment Portal: Kovan Clinic / Potong Pasir Clinic

WhatsApp: 8879 9404

Landline: Potong Pasir - 6242 6384 Kovan - 6243 3036

(Available during clinic opening hours, 8 am to 12 am)

Source:

https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/expert-committee-on-covid-19-vaccination-recommends-covid-19-vaccination-for-children-aged-6-months-and-above-and-recommends-the-moderna-spikevax-bivalent-original-omicron-covid-19-vaccine-for-ages-18-years-and-above

https://www.covid19infovaccines.com/en-posts/how-do-the-updated-bivalent-covid-19-vaccines-work

Why getting protected against Pneumonia is important if you are above 65 years old

One of the learning points for many of us after COVID-19, is appreciating the importance of vaccination.

Just as COVID-19 vaccination has prevented the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19, Pneumonia vaccination will prevent many seniors from bacterial pneumonia the same.

Here's what you should know if you are more than 65 years old, or you know someone who is (probably our parents).

1. Pneumonia is one of the main reasons for death and hospitalisation in Singapore

Even before the existence of COVID-19, Pneumonia has always been an issue for elderly, especially in the hospitals.

Pneumonia is the 3rd leading cause of death in Singapore, claiming the lives of over 4,000 people a year.

Adults 65 and above are at higher risk of serious illness and death from pneumococcal infections.

Taking the vaccines is the best way to prevent serious fatal infections from pneumococcal bacteria.

Pneumoccocal vaccines help prevent serious infection caused by the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae.

The pneumococcal vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against pneumococcal diseases, which include infection of the lungs (pneumonia), ear (otitis media), brain lining (meningitis), blood (septicemia), and other serious infections.

2. Who is eligible for the Pneumococcal vaccine?

Adults who are 65 years old and above are eligible to take the vaccines. There are two doses, which MOH recommends be taken 1 year apart.

The staff at the clinic may also check your vaccination history, to make sure you are medically fit to take the pneumococcal vaccines, and haven’t already taken them.

3. How much does the vaccine cost?

If you are a Singapore citizen, it's possible not to pay any out of pocket cash because of Medisave and government subsides.

MOH provides CHAS subsidies for Pioneer and Merdeka seniors, with the remaining cost being the following:

• $16 for Pioneer Generation seniors*

• $31 for Merdeka Generation seniors*

You can use Medisave to pay for your vaccination.

Merdeka: Born between 1952 and 1959* Pioneer: Born in 1951 or earlier*

Make a booking at Kovan Clinic or Potong Pasir Clinic for an appointment, or walk in to enquire!

Source: https://book.health.gov.sg/