Singapore: Covid-19 vaccination drive for 400,000 students has started

Singapore has started Covid-19 vaccination drive for 400,000 students with ages 12 and above. It has started today at 8 AM which began with those who are taking the N, O and A-level examinations.

A line of students along with their parents to accompany them were seen in the Bishan Community Club for the vaccination.

The 17-year-old Ryan Oh, who was among the students in line said the he was getting the vaccine to protect his grandmother as they live together. According to him, even though most seniors have gotten vaccinated, his grandmother’s doctor did not give her the approval to receive the vaccine as she has severe allergies.

“The new coronavirus variants spread faster, and this new wave of Covid-19 seems more concerning than last year. I don’t want to risk passing it to her,” he said.

One parent, Ms Liza Ng, 46 signed her 17-year-old daughter, Shyanne to get vaccinated despite being aware that those who receive the vaccine are still not completely safe from the Covid-19 virus.

She has also chosen to book an appointment for the vaccination on the first day the vaccination drive for the students has commenced so her daughter who is currently a National Junior College student can get enough rest during the June holidays.

She said that the second dose will be given on a Friday in July, so her daughter can rest over the weekend in case she has any side effects from receiving the vaccine. She will also have about three to four weeks of rest before the preliminary exams in August kick starts.

Currently, only those with the age of 12 and above can be vaccinated as Singapore is doing its efforts to keep the educational institutions and the community safe from the infections. Those aged between 12 and 17 are only allowed to recceive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, while those aged 18 and above can choose to get the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.