The Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) are prioritising the vaccination of students as part of ongoing national efforts to keep our education institutions and the wider community safe.

While vaccination is not mandatory, we encourage all medically eligible individuals aged 12 years and above to take up vaccination when this is made available to them. The risk of community spread remains, and comprehensive coverage of COVID-19 vaccination can significantly reduce the chances of COVID-19 infection for students and help to reduce the severity of the disease. 

There is evidence that the vaccines do confer protection against the variants. Nevertheless, it is an evolving area of study, and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) are closely monitoring this issue.  

Consent from a parent or a legal guardian is a legal requirement for medical procedures in minors.

Based on the HSA’s approval of the medical suitability of the vaccines, individuals below the age of 18 will only be offered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, while individuals aged 18 and above will be offered a choice between the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Both vaccines have been assessed by HSA to meet the safety and efficacy standards. We encourage students to make a vaccination appointment as early as possible upon receiving their SMS notification.

The vaccination exercise for students will commence with invitations for vaccination appointments to be progressively sent out from 1 June 2021.

Students who are not able to get vaccinated during the duration of the vaccination exercise may do so later when the vaccination is open to the general public for their age bands, and if they are medically eligible to do so at that point in time. 

While vaccination is not mandatory, we encourage all medically eligible individuals to take it up when offered to them. The risk of community spread remains and comprehensive coverage of COVID-19 vaccination can help protect individuals as well as the wider community against the virus.

The SMS includes a unique booking link to make an appointment to be vaccinated. They have 14 days from the receipt for the SMS to schedule an appointment via the booking link.

Within the 14 days, they will have priority to schedule their appointment. If they have not booked a slot within the 14-day time limit but are still keen to be vaccinated, they may re-register their interest and be notified to make an appointment when there are slots available. They can re-register by clicking on the same unique link in the original SMS notification.

Parents/guardians and students may contact MOH at 1800 333 9999 if they require assistance for the medical declaration form.

Students who are unable to get vaccinated during the duration of the MOE vaccination exercise may do so later when vaccination is open to the general public for their age bands and if they are medically eligible to do so at that point in time.

To minimise disruption to school activities, we encourage students to:

• Schedule their vaccination early as soon as possible;
• Consider the timing for both their first and second doses when scheduling their vaccinations; and
• Sign up for slots during this term break or on weekends, if they are able to.

Students aged 18 and above will receive SMS invitations directly. For students below 18 years of age, SMSes will be sent to their parents or guardians. Students who have yet to receive a SMS by the dates stipulated by their institutions should inform their designated point-of-contacts in their institutions quickly for assistance.

Students who miss their first vaccination appointment during the duration of MOE’s vaccination exercise will be able to reschedule later when the vaccination is open to the public for their age bands, if they are medically eligible to do so then.

If students miss their second vaccination appointment, they should contact MOH at 1800 333 9999 for further assistance.

Students who are getting vaccinated during school hours, as well as those feeling unwell from the side effects of the vaccine, would be given time off and deemed to be on medical leave. To facilitate this, parents/students should provide evidence of their vaccination appointment.

Students in polytechnics should try to book their appointments at a time when they are available, according to when their schedule allows for the flexibility. Students can apply for time off on a case-by-case basis.

IHL students who have side effects from the vaccination should inform their IHLs that they are unwell and unable to attend school. If the symptoms persist or get worse, they should see a doctor. If they are unable to attend their examinations and assessments, they should inform the IHLs immediately so that the institutions can provide timely advice and assistance.

The COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing symptomatic disease for the vast majority of those vaccinated, but it is still possible for vaccinated individuals to get infected. While the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are highly effective, they are not 100 per cent effective.

To continue to keep our schools and education institutes safe, the SMMs will remain even after the vaccination exercise is completed. The SMMs will be adjusted in accordance with the prevailing national posture