Covid-19 vaccination drive for teens to kick off on Monday

Hamzah said all children aged 12-17 and residing in Brunei are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. - Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): The National Vaccination Programme for Covid-19 for 38,201 students aged 12-17 will start on Nov 8 (Monday), Minister of Education Dato Hamzah Sulaiman announced.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Health (MoH) would work closely to vaccinate the students, he added.

Hamzah said all children aged 12-17 and residing in the country are eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine. The programme will cover students at all schools under the jurisdiction of the MoE, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and private institutions including international schools.

The minister said the vaccination programme will be carried out in all four districts on Monday.

In Brunei-Muara District, the vaccination centres will be held at Indoor Stadium in Berakas, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, MRS Bolkiah of Royal Brunei Armed Forces and Jubli Emas Kampong Bunut Perpindahan Health Centre.

For students in Tutong District, the vaccination centre will be held at Seri Kenangan Hall while in Belait District, it will be held at Suri Seri Begawan Hospital’s Learning Centre and Panaga Health Clinic. In Temburong District, Belalong Community Hall of Pekan Bangar will be the designated venue.

A schedule will released through schools and the MoE's website and social media platform.

Parents and guardians have also been requested to be present at the vaccination centres at stated times. Teachers will be available to guide students and liaise with staff at the vaccination centres.

The MoE advises students to eat prior to vaccination.

“We hope the vaccination programme runs smoothly and safely to support the nation’s aspiration to curb COVID-19 outbreak and reach its vaccination goals.

“The inoculation will protect our children from Covid-19 and consequently allow them to attend class in person when schools re-open.

“For those aged 12-17 and not schooling, they will have to wait for their turn to get the jab,” Hamzah said.