Gauteng Education to step up vaccine drive at schools amid new Covid-19 variant

The plea comes in the wake of a new B.1.1.529 first detected in southern Africa.

The variant is also believed to be behind the surging number of infections across the country. 

MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the vaccination drive in schools is to encourage those aged between 12 -17 years old to get jabbed.

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“In collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, we will be administering a vaccination drive in schools and communities targeted at learners aged 12-17 years old. We call upon all eligible learners to grab this opportunity and take the jab.

“It is paramount to remind everyone that vaccination is a crucial part of our fight and our safety against this virus, both as individuals and as a society. The government has now allowed people aged 12 years and older to vaccinate. We encourage all those who are eligible to use this opportunity and vaccinate as part of the drive to manage and mitigate the impact of Covid-19.”