SINGAPORE - Two in three students in autonomous universities in Singapore have signed up for the Covid-19 vaccine since invitations went out on Tuesday (June 8), said Education Minister Chan Chun Sing.

Overall, more than 50,000 students across all levels have got their first jab, he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He also said more than nine in 10 students from graduating cohorts have booked appointments to get vaccinated, while six in 10 have taken their first dose.

Mr Chan added that four in five eligible students from Primary 6 to Secondary 3, and those in their first year of junior college as well as polytechnic students have registered.

In his post, Mr Chan thanked Singaporeans for their support and understanding to allow children to book their appointments before the Health Ministry moves to vaccinate the rest of the population.

Currently, the national vaccination drive has not opened to adults under 40.

Singapore's most recent rash of Covid-19 cases saw many students at all levels coming down with the virus.

In an earlier update on Monday, Mr Chan said almost nine in 10 students from graduating cohorts have signed up to be vaccinated, and half of them had received their first doses.

Those aged 18 and older have been allowed to opt for either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, while those between 12 and 17 are offered only the Pfizer jab as the Moderna shot has not been approved for use for that age group.

MOH gave the green light for those aged 12 to 15 to get the Pfizer vaccine earlier in May.

Mr Chan's updates on the vaccination drive for students come on the heels of the Government's announcement in May that more than 400,000 students would be invited to receive their Covid-19 jabs from June 1, with priority given to secondary and pre-university students in graduating cohorts.