100,000 Children Aged 5 to 11 in Singapore Receive First Jab of Covid-19 Vaccine

It has not been long since the Covid-19 vaccine was approved for kids aged five to eleven years old in Singapore. Covid-19 vaccination for this age group started last 27 December 2021 where parents received SMS invitations to book an appointment for their children. 

As of Saturday, 15 January, over 100,000 children aged 5 to 11 have already received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

Covid Vaccine For Kids Aged 5 to 11: More Than 100,000 Have Received Their First Jab

Image source: Facebook / Chan Chun Sing

According to a press release by the Ministry of Education (MOE), about 2 in 5 Primary 1 to 6 students in MOE primary schools have gotten their first dose. 

The ministry also reports how there was a “good uptake” of the “sibling walk-in” arrangement that started on January 10. This allowed siblings aged 5 to 11 to receive their Covid-19 jabs at the same time. 

After launching this arrangement, more than 2,800 children were vaccinated on its first week.

“On average, this meant that for every five vaccination appointments made, we saw one sibling who had walked in for their jab,” said MOE in their statement.

Meanwhile, mobile vaccination teams comprising staff from the Health Promotion Board have also been progressively deployed to 12 out of 20 special education schools since last Wednesday, 12 January. These staff members are experienced in supporting students with special needs. 

“2 in 3 students in SPED schools have registered for vaccination to date,” MOE added. 

Image source: iStock

Second Dose Of The Covid-19 Vaccination For Kids In This Age Group

The next phase of the paediatric vaccination roll-out started on Monday, 17 January. Children aged 5 to 11 will progressively receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. 

As per Mayo Clinic, more children reported side effects after the second dose which included the following symptoms:

• Pain where the shot was given
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Nausea

Image source: iStock

“Vaccination will help to protect our children as well as those around us who are unable to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for medical reasons,” reminded MOE.

The ministry also advised, “We strongly encourage parents/guardians to get their medically eligible child/ward vaccinated as soon as possible, ahead of the upcoming festive period where there might be more social gatherings, and to be as prepared as possible for the expected Omicron wave.”

Source: MOE, Mayo Clinic 

Lead image source from Facebook / Chan Chun Sing.

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