Ministry of Education has revealed the special COVID-19 vaccination programme for school students will begin this week.
The 2021-22 academic year is set to begin this week, on August 8. The education ministry has instructed schools to prepare to vaccinate all students above the age of 12 at the start of the new academic year. Students aged between 12-17 would be administered the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking at a press conference held ahead of the new academic year, Minister of Education Dr. Aishath Ali said efforts are underway with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to begin the vaccination programme for students above the age of 12. The minister said efforts are also ongoing to provide information to parents regarding vaccination, noting consent would be sought from each parent and student before administering the vaccine.
During the press conference, the education ministry also announced the introduction of a vaccination green card for parents. Director General at the Ministry of Education, Aminath Azza revealed the purpose of the green card is to ensure all parents who come in to fetch students have completed vaccination. She noted the card would be provided upon completion of the ongoing campaign to vaccinate 90% of the population eligible for vaccination.
The education ministry had earlier announced individuals who have not completed the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be permitted to enter schools, starting from next month. The ministry said an exception is provided for students and individuals who are below the vaccination age.