Preteens to 17 can take vaccines

Children from the age of 12 to 17 were officially declared eligible on October 20 for the one-dose vaccine.

October 28, 2021

Sheina Razack 2 minutes read

Ashton College learner Kriya Magan (15) was the only one in her immediate family who needed to be vaccinated. Her elder brother and parents were vaccinated when their age groups were deemed eligible. The youngster was vaccinated at the Actonville Community Centre.

Children from the age of 12 to 17 were officially declared eligible on October 20 for the one-dose vaccine.

“According to the director-general of health’s circular issued on October 15, any child 12 years and older who understands the risks and benefits of vaccination can consent to be vaccinated,” said Hendrik Swartz, hospital manager at Life The Glynnwood.

“Any child in this category, who requests a vaccination, should be vaccinated, even if not accompanied by a parent or adult.”

If a parent or an adult is present, they will be permitted to accompany a child during the vaccination process.
Swartz added that based on the government decision, the vaccinated child must only receive one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

“As per the above-mentioned circular, a child’s South African ID number (available on the ID document or the birth certificate), foreign passport number or asylum/refugee number should be used when registering the child on the EVDS.

“Most children will have a South African birth certificate, which includes an ID number as proof of identity when presenting for vaccination.”

Swartz concluded, “Life Healthcare’s vaccination sites will follow government guidelines for the vaccination of any child 12 years and older.”

Sr Duduzile Chaza from the Northmead Clinic said most of the teens that have come to get vaccinated are with their parents.
“The presence of their parents gives the teens some sigh of relief and comfort as some may be scared of needles,” said Chaza.

Director at the Greater Benoni Child Welfare Vanessa Carelse said a provision in the Children’s Act gives children the right to seek medical treatment without the consent of their parents from the age of 12 up, at public facilities.

She highlighted there is the challenge of issues after vaccination, where a child is harmed or gets sick after getting the vaccination without parental consent, as some children are not aware of their medical history.

Vaccination sites:
• The Life The Glynnwood vaccination site at the Benoni Town Hall, open from Monday to Friday (08:00 to 14:00).
• Northmead Clinic, corner of Hospital and Aster Street, Northmead, open from Monday to Thursday (08:00 t0 15:30) and Friday from 08:00 to 13:00.
• The Daveyton Main Community Healthcare Centre, Bhengu Street, open from Monday to Friday (08:30 to 15:00).
• Joy Clinic, Etwatwa West, open from Monday to Friday (08:00 to 15:00).
• Phillip Moyo Community Healthcare Centre, Eiselen Street, Emaphupheni, open from Monday to Friday (08:30 to 15:00).
• Mary Moodley Clinic, Khan Crescent, Actonville, operating hours are from Monday to Friday (08:30 to 15:00).