COVID-19: Educators encouraged to get their jabs

WITH the country in the thick of the Covid-19 third wave, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) on Monday encouraged all teachers and school staff to get their jabs as the programme continues this week.

The sector has already vaccinated more than 333 000 teachers and support staff since the campaign began last month.

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‘The vaccination programme in basic education continues even after schools went on an early recess on Friday following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement that the country would move to adjusted Level 4 of the Covid-19 risk-adjusted strategy.

‘Phase 1 targeted 300 000 to be vaccinated within the first 10 days of the programme.

‘This target was based on the number of Johnson & Johnson doses of the vaccine allocated to the sector,’ said DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.

By the end of the first day, a total of 48 000 vaccinations were conducted and within nine days, a total of 300 052 vaccinations had been reached.

An additional 289 000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were then received, which enables the sector to reach its overall target of vaccinating 582 564 educators and non-teaching staff.

‘In addition, support staff from independent schools, food handlers, screeners, cleaners and ECD practitioners will be included in the programme.

‘The department urges all educators and staff to follow the schedules in each district is to ensure a smooth roll-out of the programme,’ said Mhlanga.

Why getting the vaccine is important:
1. All vaccines used in South Africa have been tested and approved by SAHPRA – an entity of the national Department of Health created by the government, with the responsibility to regulate health products in the country.

2. Getting the vaccine will protect you from severe illness, hospitalisation and death from Covid-19.

3. When you are vaccinated, your immune system will recognise the virus quickly when you get infected with Covid-19, and prevent you from being severely ill or dying.

4. Get vaccinated; you will be doing it for yourself and your loved ones.

5. When we collectively take the decision to get vaccinated, we take a step closer to returning to life as we knew it.

6. Our leaders in government, teacher unions, faith-based and other sectors have already been vaccinated.

7. Fake news and conspiracy theories are part of all vaccination programmes – always listen to the experts and scientists.

8. The basic education sector is aware of the hesitancy surrounding the Covid-19 vaccines. The sector is working closely with teacher unions, SGBs and other stakeholders to address this.

9. The basic education sector is engaging experts and leaders of faith-based groups to address vaccine hesitancy in the sector.

10. Getting the vaccine provides you with one layer of protection – you still need to continue wearing a mask, washing or sanitising your hands and keeping physical distance from others. Together, these provide you with a complete package of protection.

11. Vaccination is voluntary – The basic education sector will never force you to take it.

12. The basic education sector vaccination programme will remain open this week.

13. You can get vaccinated at your nearest vaccination designated site. Your school has the information on the nearest site.

14. For more information, call the Covid-19 call centre on 0800 029 999.