Young adults between 18 and 34 years old have been waiting in anticipation for the announcement of a jab day earlier than the previously announced date of 1 September. The news came today (Thursday, 19 August) that Cabinet has approved health minister Dr Joe Phaahla’s request to open registrations and vaccinations on Friday.
Those who are eligible can register via walk-in from Friday, 20 August, provided they bring their ID documents or relevant identity cards along. No pre-registration is required.
On Monday, 16 August Phaahla was interviewed by 702 and said, “If not this week, then not later than next Monday”, when asked about when those in the 18-34-year age group may expect to get their jabs.
Agriculture department welcomes decision
Reacting to the news, spokesperson for the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development Reggie Ngcobo told Food For Mzansi that the department welcomes the opening of vaccinations for the youngest adult age group.
“We encourage all farmworkers and farmers to take this opportunity to go and vaccinate. It is the responsible thing to do and it will save the lives of our food producers. We also urge and encourage their family members to go and vaccinate,” Ngcobo said.
The department of health has previously said that at least 70% of the population needs to be vaccinated for South Africa to reach herd immunity. This equates to a total of 29 million adults being jabbed. By the end of last week, a total of 10% of the country has been vaccinated.
The move to shift up the date of vaccinations for those between 18 and 34 years of age, forms part of the country’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout plan.
Also read: 18-35s may be up for vaxxing by the end of the week
If you are unsure of where you can get your jab, click here.
