Thousands of teachers are set to receive the single dose vaccine on Wednesday, with more than 70% of teachers having agreed to receive the vaccine across the country.

Free State MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, says in a statement that the vaccination of teachers will reduce the risk of them becoming sick, and will also make teaching safer by returning all schools to normal timetables.

Makgoe says that all teachers and staff members have already been captured onto the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), with the first roll-out set to take place at Gonyane Primary School in Phahameng in Bloemfontein.

The roll-out of the vaccine will be overseen by Makgoe and his Health counterpart, MEC Montseng Tsiu.

“Vaccines are a vital tool in our fight against Covid-19. We must avoid any further disruptions to our school calendar, as our learners are already suffering serious learning losses from the past year,” Makgoe adds.

The provincial Department of Education, along with the provincial Department of Health, made the preparations for the vaccine roll-out.

"On Monday 21 June 2021, the Head of the Department (HOD), Advocate Tsoarelo Malakoane, will issue a circular to all schools advising them on the vaccination plan and preparations for the roll-out," Makgoe further added.

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