GOVERNMENT is making every effort to reach population immunity and is investigating immunising children with the remaining vaccine stock once most adults are covered.
Addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last week, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla said, while other nations are already inoculating children as young as 12 years-old, South Africa is currently prioritising the adult population.
“Just in the same way as when we were convinced that we have enough capacity and stock to cover the above 35. Therefore, when that stage arrives, we will definitely look at science and our capacity. Then, at that stage, we should be able to move towards the lower ages below 18, as some of the vaccines have already been approved for those who are under 18,” Phaala said.
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“So, the question is whether at some stage, even if we’re not fully opening up for the below 18 [year-olds], whether children with comorbidities [should be vaccinated]. We’re keeping that on the radar screen,” he said.
Phaahla explained that this could mean that the children with comorbidities come forward with clinical records for his department to investigate.
“At this stage, because of the hierarchy of risk, we’re still focusing on the adult population,” he stressed.
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