Saudi Arabia approves Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 17

Pupils over the age of 12 must be fully vaccinated to attend school

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) approved the use of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine for those aged between 12 and 17 years.
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The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) on Sunday approved the use of the Moderna vaccines for those aged between 12 and 17, Spa reported.

The Moderna vaccine was registered for use last month for those in the kingdom aged 17 and older.

The SFDA approved the vaccine for those aged 12 and up based on data provided by the pharmaceutical company, which showed the benefits for the age group outweighed the risks.

The Ministry of Education on Saturday announced that it would be mandatory for students over 12 years old to be vaccinated before attending classes this year.

Minister of Education Hamad Al Asheikh said those who have not received the vaccine will not be able to attend school and will be marked absent until they receive both doses.

“Middle and high school students who have completed two doses are required to attend educational facilities, and those who did not complete the two-dose vaccination will be considered absent until the two-dose vaccination is completed,” Mr Al Asheikh said.

The Ministry of Education published pictures of the teachers returning to schools in the kingdom on Monday and commended “their commitment to implementing preventive measures".

More than 33.4 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered in the kingdom so far.

Saudi Arabia reported 12 deaths and 384 new Covid-19 infections on Sunday.


Updated: August 23, 2021, 5:38 PM