RIYADH — The Ministry of Education and Ministry Health urged all students aged 12 years and above, as well as teachers and other staffers of educational institutions to receive two doses of the coronavirus vaccine for a safe return to schools and universities before the start of the new academic year on Aug. 29. The Ministry of Education said in a statement that the ministries of health and education have agreed that all students, boys and girls, aged 12 years and above and all employees of public education as well as students and staffers of universities and Technical and Vocational Training Corporation institutions need to receive two doses of coronavirus vaccination for the return to education in order to protect them and their families. "This is also to emphasize the partnership and integration between the two ministries in preparation for the normal return to the next academic year as well as to preserve the safety of the educational community," the statement pointed out. The ministry urged all those who have not taken the vaccine to hurry up to obtain the first dose so that they can complete the second dose before the start of the school year on Aug. 29, as the shortest required period between the two doses is three weeks. "The Ministry of Health will provide vaccines, make appointments for male and female students targeted by the immunization process, as well as male and female teachers, members of the teaching and training staff, and education administrators and provide all the necessary arrangements to complete vaccination procedures before the beginning of the new academic year," the statement added.