COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Advisory

 

Singapore’s Response to COVID-19

Singapore introduced what was considered one of the largest and best-organised epidemic control programmes in the world. Various measures have been taken to mass test the population for the virus, such as isolating any infected people as well as introducing contact tracing apps such as TraceTogether and strictly quarantining those they had close contact with. Such measures have helped avoid further lockdowns after the end of the circuit breaker measures in June 2020.

Singapore is among the safest place to be in COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bloomberg’s Covid Resilience Ranking.  Singapore is also widely considered to have one of the most efficient healthcare systems in the world, according to Bloomberg Health Care Efficiency Index.

At SMU Masters, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is the University’s top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation, take guidance from government authorities, and adjust our measures as needed. Please refer to SMU’s Advisory on COVID-19 for regular updates.

Let us work together, support each other, stay vigilant and do our best to protect the SMU Community.

COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS

Singapore has commenced COVID-19 vaccination since the end of 2020, with plans to vaccinate the population progressively in the coming months.  Almost two-thirds of citizens have been vaccinated since June 2021.

As announced by Singapore’s Ministry of Education (MOE) on 31 May 2021, vaccination will be extended to all students. The vaccination of students in schools and Institute of Higher Learnings (IHL) is part of the larger national effort to keep our education institutions and the wider community safe.
 

If you are a postgraduate student in SMU

If you are medically eligible, you are strongly encouraged to book an appointment as early as possible once you have received your SMS notification. (If you are under the age of 18, the SMSes will be sent to your parents or legal guardians instead as parental/guardian consent is required for your vaccination.)

You will receive an SMS invitation with a unique registration link to the National Appointment System (NAS):

  • Use the SMS to book a vaccination appointment at any of the vaccination centres, 20 polyclinics, or Public Health Preparedness (PHP) Clinics operating as vaccination sites. You are strongly encouraged to go into the system quickly to book a slot, and to choose the earliest convenient slot for you as we expect a high take-up rate.
  • Submit a health declaration online via the system when prompted.
  • The vaccination process involves two jabs, with approximately 7 to 8 weeks between these jabs.

 

FAQs on the COVID-19 vaccination for students

  1. Why are students being prioritised for vaccination?
    Vaccination of students in schools and IHLs is part of the larger national effort to keep our education institutions and the wider community safe. All medically eligible individuals aged 12 years and above should consider getting vaccinated when this is made available to them. The risk of community spread remains, which comprehensive coverage of COVID-19 vaccination can mitigate. For the individual, vaccination also reduces the chances of COVID19 infection, and prevents severe illness if infected.
     

  2. Will the vaccine protect students against new variants of COVID-19?
    There is evidence that the vaccines do confer protection against the variants. Nevertheless, it is an evolving area of study, and Health Science Authority (HSA) and the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination (EC19V) are closely monitoring this issue.
     

  3. How long do parents/students have after receiving the SMS to book their vaccination appointment?

    The SMS includes a unique booking link to make an appointment to be vaccinated. They have 14 days from the receipt for the SMS to schedule an appointment via the booking link.

    Within the 14 days, they will have priority to schedule their appointment. If they have not booked a slot within the 14-day time limit but are still keen to be vaccinated, they may re-register their interest and be notified to make an appointment when there are slots available. They can re-register by clicking on the same unique link in the original SMS notification.
     

  4. What should students or their parents do if they have yet to receive the SMS for the vaccination?
    Students aged 18 and above will receive SMS invitations directly. For students below 18 years of age, SMSes will be sent to their parents or legal guardians. Students or parents who have yet to receive an SMS by the dates stipulated by their institutions should inform designated point-of-contacts in their institutions quickly.
     

  5. What happens if students miss their vaccination appointment? Will they be allowed to make another appointment?
    Students who miss their first vaccination appointment during the duration of MOE’s vaccination exercise will be able to reschedule later when the vaccination is open to the public for their age bands, if they are medically eligible to do so then. If students miss their second vaccination appointment, they should contact the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) at 1800 333 9999 for further assistance.

 

​​If you have further questions pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination programme for students, do email us @ masters@smu.edu.sg