Youth react to COVID-19 vaccine application for Singaporeans aged 12 to 39

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that Singaporeans aged 12 to 39 are eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online from Friday (Jun 11). 

At the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force press conference on Thursday, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that Singaporeans in the 12 to 39 age group have a two-week priority window to book their appointments. 

Registrants can book their appointments via SMS with a booking link sent to the mobile number they registered with. 

MOH also advises those who have recovered from COVID-19 infection to receive a single dose of the vaccine as it can further boost their immunity against the virus. 

We spoke to some youths to hear their views about Singapore’s progress with vaccinations and how they feel about being eligible for their vaccination.

“I’m super ready to sign up. I had a COVID-19 scare recently as I visited Westgate, and I was super worried. Tested negative, though! I don’t want to be in that situation again, where I’m really worried about being admitted into hospital, so I’ll definitely want to get vaccinated.

“I think we’ve waited long enough to get it, and I think getting the vaccination is important in order to get closer to achieving a future where we don’t have to wear masks.

“Hopefully we’ll all reach herd immunity and speed up the process of getting COVID-19 done and over with.” – Gladys Sowane, 20, Nail Technician

“I will be signing up for the vaccination as getting vaccinated can help to reduce the effects of COVID-19 if I really contract it. It can also help to lower the possibilities of me getting the virus as more people are vaccinated.

“Getting vaccinated helps us to prevent the spread and the potential mutation of COVID-19 which can worsen the situation.

“This will help to generate revenue and help local businesses to survive as we may possibly be able to learn normal lives again without any interference by measures and restrictions.” – Lim Swee En, 19, Educational Enrichment Intern

“I think that getting the vaccine is a step towards ‘returning to the norm’, as we all know that it is likely that COVID-19 would be here to stay, and the future might include showing proof of vaccinations in order to travel, which I really anticipate to do in the future.

“People I know have told me that they’ve experienced side effects such as fever and chills, as well as arm soreness, which I am definitely not looking forward to. However, I do have faith in our healthcare workers administering the jabs so that does not worry me much.” – Silvia Chew, 19, Media Strategy and Communications Intern

“I feel that we can help Singapore and also our loved ones by doing our part in keeping them safe. As teenagers who go out a lot, it’s important to stay protected from the virus.

“I will be signing up for vaccinations once they are available tomorrow as I have grandparents who live next door, and I want to ensure that they are safe and their well-being is protected. 

“Life can slowly go back to normal once the cases die down and people are protected.” – Shannen Leong, 19, Corporate Affairs Intern

“The information of the process given by the government is sufficient and my parents have been vaccinated, so my understanding for the process is there.

“With the current supplies, many have to wait longer periods before being able to take the second dose. So my concern is what the actual recommended duration is between doses.

“I personally don’t think that it’s extremely urgent to get vaccinated as I foresee quite a number of people in this age group who will rush forward to sign up. I will wait till supplies are in and sufficient before taking the vaccine.” – Jacqueline-Ann Phua, 31, Unemployed

Written by Stacey Tay, Jeevana Kalaithasan, Xynthea Ong

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