Children aged between 12 and 17 will from today be able to register for a single shot of the Pfizer vaccine.
Health Department spokesperson Foster Mohale says vaccination sites will be open for walk-ins from this age group.
No vaccination sites will be set up at schools at this stage due to preparations for the end-of-year exams.
Mohale says the vaccination of the children is in line with the recommendations of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Vaccines.
He has encouraged parents and caregivers to discuss the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine with the children: “The Children’s Act provides that children over the age of 12 years can consent to their own medical treatment, provided they are of sufficient maturity and have the mental capacity to understand the benefits, risks, social and other implications of the treatment. Therefore it is recommended that parents and caregivers accompany these children when they present themselves at their nearest vaccination site.”
![[File Image]: A nurse at one of South Africa's hospital during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/HOSPITAL.jpg)
