The Department’s spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, tells OFM News that thus far the response has been satisfactory as most of the vaccination sites reported that they are receiving 12 to 17-year-olds who are willing to vaccinate. Mvambi says Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein has recorded 27 vaccinations so far, but the count is ongoing until all vaccine sites have reported by the end of the day. 

Mvambi says ideally, these age groups should be coming with their parents or have their consent when getting vaccinated. Mvambi says regardless of this, the legislation allows the department to vaccinate these teens, even without parents' consent because they have the right to seek appropriate health services on their own.

“I learned that The Dashboard is not yet available and data of those vaccinated will be released once the dashboard becomes available,” says Mvambi.

OFM News earlier reported parents can take their kids to any private or public healthcare facility, with the child's identity documents and if available, medical aid details. They will then be registered and vaccinated. People who do not have medical aid can also be vaccinated free of charge.

OFM News/Blaine Jones