​Qaqambile Mdledle
The Department of Health on Friday announced that the vaccination of children aged 12 to 17 against COVID-19 will open from 20 October.

"Today I am happy to announce that we have reached a stage where we are ready to open up vaccination for children between 12-17 years of age, and the majority of this cohort are in the secondary or high school level," said Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla.

The announcement follows a recommendation by the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee and Cabinet.

Phaahla said registrations for children on the electronic vaccination data system will open on Wednesday, 20 October and they will be able to get the vaccine at any vaccination site. 

The cohort will be administered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

"We believe this will come in handy as schools start exams or are advanced towards concluding the academic year and prepare for the next year. The Pfizer vaccine has been approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) for this age group."

Minister Phaahla confirmed that individuals with at least one jab have reached 13,803 million which is 34,6% of the adult population. " We getting closer to 35% which will be half of the 70% we are targeting."

Furthermore,1.5 million people had already downloaded their COVID-19 vaccinations certificates.