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COVID-19: Vaccination bookings for Singapore students to begin from 1 June

SINGAPORE —COVID-19 vaccination bookings for students will open from Tuesday (1 June), starting with the graduating cohorts who are taking their "O-", "N-" and "A-" level examinations this year.

The announcement was made on Monday afternoon by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong while delivering his speech to update the country on plans to manage the COVID-19 situation.

"In this latest outbreak, we have seen more cases of children getting infected, in schools and tuition centres," said Lee.

"The children were not seriously ill, but parents are naturally worried. Therefore, we will take advantage of the June holidays to vaccinate students," he added.

Following this first batch of students, those aged 12 and above will then be given their turn. This group will also include those studying at institutes of higher learning.

Vaccinations will also be opened to young adults aged 39 and below, which should start from mid-June, Lee said.

Given this group's size, Singaporeans among them will be given a two-week priority window to book their vaccination appointments.

Appeal to the elderly

In his speech, Lee also made an appeal to Singapore's unvaccinated elderly residents to book their appointments for the jab.

While nearly three quarters of the country's elderly – about 760,000 senior citizens aged 60 and above – had received at least one jab or already booked an appointment, he noted that some 280,000 elderly folk have yet to make a vaccination appointment.

To this end, the government will make the process "even more convenient" by allowing those above 60 to just turn up at a vaccination centre and receive their jab. Those who are not mobile or are unable to visit a vaccination centre can contact the Silver Generation Office to get a doctor or nurse to visit their home to administer the vaccination.

On Singapore's overall vaccination efforts, Lee said that nearly four in 10 Singapore residents had received at least one dose of the vaccine.

"Our next target is to get two-thirds of residents vaccinated with at least the first dose," he added. Lee said this process should be completed by early July. Meanwhile, the government is also aiming to offer all those who are eligible for a vaccination and want one at least their first jab by National Day.

Regarding the country's vaccine supply, Lee also said that the government had received confirmation of "faster vaccine deliveries over the next two months".

"With the latest supply schedule, we can further boost our vaccination programme. We can offer the vaccine to everyone, even sooner than we expected," he added.

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