Singapore’s Kids Get Ready to Rock the COVID‑19 Shot
When It Starts
Starting next Monday (Dec 27) the vaccination drive kicks off for children aged five to eleven. Bookings open the Wednesday before, beginning with the oldest Primary 4‑6 students.
The Big Picture
Over 300,000 little ones will be reached through fifteen dedicated paediatric centres that’ll open in waves. These sites are mainly where adult shots are already done, so parents can keep the same routine.
How the Roll‑Out Works
- Primary 4‑6P kids (2024‑2025 cohort) get the first priority. About 120,000 SMS invites hit parents’ phones on Wednesday, each with a unique link to schedule their dose.
- All other 2009‑2012 births not in MOE schools can sign up from Monday via the MOH National Appointment System.
- Primary 1‑3P students receive invites starting the week of Jan 3.
- Five‑to‑seven‑year‑olds (born 2013‑2017) join in from the week of Jan 10. Parents register through the same NAS.
Special Touches for the Youngsters
The centres feature separate queues and spaces, keeping little ones safely distanced. Trained paediatric medical staff, plus friendly vaccine‑delivering helpers, will be on hand.
Centre Timeline
- Seven centres open Monday.
- Another seven launch January 3.
- Each can handle up to 1,000 appointments a day.
- Plus a new centre in Yusof Ishak Secondary School, going live Jan 11 for Punggol/Sengkang families.
Why It Matters
Education Minister Chan Chun Sing says it’s a win‑win: kids stay healthier, and schools get to revive sports, games and the whole school vibe that kids need for total wholeness.
“Vaccination cuts the risk of serious illness, which means more playtime and less worry for families,” he adds.
With more children jabbed, parents can finally enjoy a smoother, safer school year again.
Original article from The Straits Times – permission required for reproduction.