The Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre (hereinafter referred to as “the Centre”) announces that, pursuant to the Chief Executive’s Dispatch No. 152/2021, the eligibility age for receiving COVID-19 inactivated vaccine is lowered from 18 to 12.

According to the Centre, the eligibility age is updated following the promulgation of the new “Special Vaccination Programme of the Macao Special Administrative Region”, which was approved by the Chief Executive in exercising the functions and powers conferred by Article 50 of the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region and pursuant to Article 4(1) of Administrative Regulation 16/2008 (Regime of Vaccination), to replace the previous one approved by Chief Executive’s Dispatch No. 84/2021.

Under the new “Special Vaccination Programme of the Macao Special Administrative Region”, COVID-19 inactivated vaccine can be used in people aged 12 to below 60 years old, as well as people aged 60 years old or above with good health conditions and greater risk of exposure; whereas the eligibility age for receiving mRNA vaccine will remain the same (i.e. 12 years or above).

With the dispatch coming into force today (18 October), parents or guardians may schedule a vaccination booking for their children/wards starting from now, says the Centre. Individuals aged under 18 years old are reminded to acquire consent from their parents/guardians in order to get vaccinated.