COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Aged 12-18

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry can assure parents who still have concerns of medical risks in respect of the COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12-18 that (i) there will be no pressure for their children to be vaccinated if their parents have any reservations (ii) such parents will be given the right to indicate non-consent on all such consent forms and (iii) no Primary 6 child will be vaccinated before reaching the age of 12.

In line with current MOH’s medical advisories, COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged for all children aged 12 to 18 who are medically eligible. Vaccination is voluntary. MOE respects parents’ decisions on whether to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. Hence, children are not included in the vaccination exercise as a default. Parents have to opt in for their children to be included, such as signing up for vaccination appointment or by informing the school with the necessary consent forms completed and submitted to the school.

MOE has invited age-eligible students to get vaccinated. As parents may not always be able to get to the invitation in a timely manner, our educational institutions have, therefore, reached out to parents to ensure they are aware of the vaccination exercise, and if they need any assistance. This is to ensure that no student is unable to get vaccinated due to lack of information or support. Only parents who wish for their children to be vaccinated and require assistance need to reply to MOE.

As per prevailing medical recommendations, only those who are aged 12 and above can receive the vaccination. MOE conducts checks before the invitations are made. Vaccination service providers and HPB also verify the child’s date of birth in ID (NRIC/FIN/Student Pass) on site before proceeding with vaccination.