Vaccination in the education sector comes to an end
In addition to this, the Department of Health has advised that everyone who has been scheduled to be vaccinated at sites and districts or areas that are affected by the unrest are advised to defer the vaccination.
The vaccination roll-out programme in the basic education sector came to an end today. The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, said even though the programme has concluded in the sector those who could not make it to the vaccination sites for various reasons are still going to receive help.
More than 500 000 educators and staff have now been vaccinated in the sector since the roll-out began on June 23.
The initial target was 582 000. Motshekga visited the vaccination site at the Midrand Fire Station yesterday morning.
“I am encouraged with the work done. I think all the officials from the Department of Health were very helpful,” she said.
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“I think we have done very well. To be told that we have vaccinated more than 80% of our personnel in the sector, that is good news indeed. We did not expect 100% because of the hesitancy and other factors but the numbers are high and we are pleased with the achievement.”
The department is aware that some of the personnel live and work in areas affected by the current unrest in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
In addition to this, the Department of Health has advised that everyone who has been scheduled to be vaccinated at sites and districts or areas that are affected by the unrest are advised to defer the vaccination.
The Electronic Vaccination Data System will automatically reschedule appointments for those unable to attend. It is programmed to reschedule up to two missed appointments.
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Motshekga said that if it was possible to move out of the affected areas to get vaccinated somewhere else people could do that but otherwise “it is all about keeping safe at the moment”.
Motshekga said educators and staff in basic education will also benefit from the nationwide vaccination programme managed by the Department of Health.
Registration according to age had commenced and that many in the sector who are yet to be vaccinated will get assistance.
“We urge all our teachers and support staff to get vaccinated so that when schools open we focus on recovery.
“We will not have another opportunity to give people time off to go vaccinate when schools are open it is better to do it before schools reopen,” said Motshekga.
Get your COVID-19 vaccine by close of business today.#VaccineRollOutSA @ElijahMhlanga @ReginahMhaule @HubertMweli pic.twitter.com/dpeWdmf5SN
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) July 14, 2021
