The COVID vaccination application for children adds kids as young as 6 months old. With this, infants that fall under that age group can finally get protection from COVID-19.
In a new statement, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) announced that they will be working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) in extending the national vaccination programme to this age group.
“The Phase 3 clinical trial of the vaccine has shown that the Pfizer BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children in this age group. The Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination has assessed that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks,” says MOE.
The Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine got approved for children in Singapore aged 5 to 11 years old. Meanwhile, kids aged between 6 months and 4 years receive shots for Moderna or Spikevax vaccine.
Image source: iStock
5 Things Parents Need To Know About COVID-19 Vaccination For Children in Singapore
Who will receive the vaccine?
The COVID vaccine application will be offered to 300,000 children aged between 5 and 11 years old. The vaccination will start with older children from Primary 4 to Primary 6 who will attend MOE schools next year.
The programme opened to all Singapore citizens, permanent residents and long-term pass holders on 27 December 2021. This 2022, parents with kids aged between 6 months and 4 years can get their little ones registered for COVID vaccination application.
With this, more younger kids get protected from the ever-evolving virus. The centres will start offering the new dosages on 25 October 2022.
You Can Visit Around 15 Paediatric Vaccination Centres in Singapore
Around 15 designated paediatric vaccination centres across Singapore hosted almost every COVID vaccination application since 27 December. This
- Senja-Cashew Community Club
- Nanyang Community Club
- Our Tampines Hub
- Pasir Ris Elias Community Club
- Woodlands Galaxy Community Club
- Nee Soon East Community Club
- Hougang Community Club
- Clementi Community Centre
- Former Hong Kah Secondary School
- Queenstown Community Centre
- Toa Payoh West Community Club
- Marine Parade Community Club
- The Serangoon Community Club
- Yusof Ishak Secondary School (Punggol Campus)
All these paediatric vaccination centres will be manned by medical personnel trained in paediatric care. There will also be staff trained in administering vaccination for children.
However, we encourage more parents to watch out for new updates on COVID vaccination applications in nearby areas. The areas we mentioned are just some of the specially built areas that accommodated Singaporeans last 2021.
Image source: Facebook / Ong Ye Kung
Children Aged 12 and Below Need To Be Accompanied by a Parent or Guardian
Like before, the MOE and ECDA require children under 12 years old to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to the vaccination. This helps officials track the number of children receiving the implemented vaccination plan.
Meanwhile. those who will be accompanied by an adult who is neither their parent nor guardian need a parental authorisation form. The parents of the children can get them from the areas hosting the COVID-19 vaccines.
It is also advised that parents ensure their children are hydrated, have eaten and avoided strenuous exercise before vaccination.
What Parents Need To Bring to Their Kids’ COVID Vaccination
Parents or guardians who will be accompanying their children to the vaccination centres must not forget to bring the following:
- Your child’s student ID or other forms of identification such as their passport or birth certificate
- A hard copy or soft copy of your signed consent form for those who have registered through the National Appointment System (NAS) at the website child.vaccine.gov.sg
Do take note that children are encouraged to wear short-sleeved or loose clothes for their appointment.
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Parents Will Receive a Confirmation of the COVID Vaccine Application
In 2021, parents or guardians of Primary 4 to 6 students in MOE primary schools and madrasahs will be sent an SMS invitation. This comes with a link to start booking a vaccination appointment for your child.
On 3 January 2022, MOE will begin sending SMS invitations to parents of Primary 1 to 3 students. If you do not receive the SMS invite with the unique link or are unable to use the link, you can instead register your child on the NAS.
This will be open on 27 December for children born from 2009 to 2012. It then became available for children aged 5 and above on 10 January 2022.
This now applies to children aged between 6 months and 4 years. However, parents need to note that they will show up with their kids during their designated schedule.
As for children from special education schools and the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children centres, they will be given registration instructions and guidelines from their respective schools.
This article was updated by Kaira De la Rosa.