The Covid-19 vaccinations are underway and while it initially began for senior citizens on the island, the government is slowly and steadily adding more doses for other age groups as well. However, the vaccines were originally developed only for people above the age of 16 years, leaving children vulnerable.
Nevertheless, Singapore approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for children between ages 12 and 15 years earlier this month. The announcement comes as a ray of hope as the new strain of the virus is attacking children in Phase 2.
Having begun vaccinations for citizens above the age of 45 years since March 2021, authorities are now open to people of ages 40 to 44 years old to register for covid vaccine.
The vaccination programme will progressively roll out to all Singaporeans and long term residents in Singapore. And you can soon expect the first dose to be available for kids as well.
That’s why you need to register your child for a slot for whenever the vaccine becomes available.
There are two ways of registering for the Covid-19 vaccine. You could either visit selected community centres or clubs near you and make the booking in person. Or you can visit the Ministry of Health’s vaccination registration page and be a part of the programme.
If you are planning to do the latter, here’s how you can register your kid for the vaccine. Do remember, all vaccinations will be free for citizens and long-term residents in Singapore.
How To Register For Covid Vaccine For Kids?
Image Source: www.preregister.vaccine.gov.sg
- Visit the MOH Covid-19 Vaccination Registration page that gives you a detailed guide on how the process works.
- Click on the ‘Register Now’ button
- Fill the pre-registration online form with your details including mobile number, name, NRIC, date of birth, and preferred language
- Submit the form
If you are eligible for the vaccine, you will receive an SMS from the authorities with a unique booking link to make an appointment.
You need to schedule an appointment within 30 days of receiving the SMS. In case you miss this window, you will have re-register your interest in the vaccine with the link given in the SMS.
Vaccination For Kids Authorised Under Pandemic Special Access
As stated above, the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) authorised the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children between 12-15 years under the Pandemic Special Access Route for emergency therapeutic products.
Previously, only those above 16 years of age were allowed to receive the shot. Meanwhile, the Moderna-sourced vaccine is given the individuals over the age of 18 years.
Before authorising the Pfizer vaccine for kids, the HSA’s expert committee assessed the safety, efficacy and tolerability of the vaccine.
In a press release, the ministry said, “The data showed that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated high efficacy consistent with that observed in the adult population. Its safety profile is also consistent with the known safety profile in the adult population. And the standards set for other registered vaccines used in the immunisation against other diseases.”
Vaccinations For Other Age Groups
Image Source: Pexels
The vaccination programme will continue to be rolled out in five-year age bands, progressively moving to younger age groups.
In a statement, the government said, “Our supply of vaccines has been steadily coming in, but remains limited given high global demand.” The health ministry says it should complete the vaccination programme by the end of the year, as long as the vaccines supply remains uninterrupted.
Longer Interval Between The First And Second Dose
The government has also extended the interval between the first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine in Singapore. The interval now stands six to eight weeks apart instead of three to four weeks apart after the first inoculation. The move will help more citizens get the first jab of the vaccine amidst the shortfall of doses.
The Covid-19 committee said the maximum interval between mRNA Covid-19 vaccines could extend to up to eight weeks to maximise vaccine coverage.
This would be applicable “without materially impacting the eventual overall immune response, as long as the second dose is eventually administered.”
A recent study also showed antibodies maturing by up to 300 per cent after the first dose when given sufficient time. Not just Singapore, but the UK and India have also taken the same approach by extending their dosage intervals.
Total Vaccinations in Singapore
Image source: iStock
On average, Singapore is vaccinating bout 40,000 people every day. Over 3.4 million doses of the vaccine have been administered on the island.
At least 1.4 million people have received their second dose. So don’t forget to register for Covid vaccine and get the dose at the earliest.
The earlier we can vaccinate the country, the faster we’ll back to our normal lives.
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