86.3% of the target adult population now fully vaccinated while 13,869 students have received both doses

86.3% of the target adult population is now fully vaccinated while 96.3% have received their first jab.

Permanent Secretary for Health Dr James Fong says 13,869 students aged between 15 to 17 years have now been fully vaccinated while 30,585 students have received their first dose.

Dr Fong further says they have received a number of requests for exemption from vaccination on medical grounds.

He states that exemptions on medical grounds are provided for the following reasons which includes documented history of severe allergic reaction to a component of each currently available COVID-19 vaccine, documented history of severe or immediate-type hypersensitivity allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine, and separate contraindication to other available formulations, receiving immunosuppressive treatment(treatment that weakens the body's immune system) and advise by a medical provider to defer vaccination to a future date.

Dr Fong also says for those with a medical condition, please be advised that in most cases vaccination is even more indicated adding that while an opinion by a medical provider to forgo vaccination or to defer vaccination will be considered, this requires that the application is accompanied by documentation to prove that the person has the medical condition as stated.

He adds furthermore, the final decision on exemption will be based on consensus guidelines from Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization and similar international authoritative bodies.

Dr Fong says the following conditions that are not considered for a medical exemption include history of severe allergic reactions to food, oral medications, latex, pets, insects, and environmental triggers, history of immunocompromising conditions where the vaccine maybe less effective, fear of needles and a history of vaccine side effects or general avoidance of vaccines.