South Africa will begin vaccination against Covid for adolescents from the age of 12 next week and offer a possibility of a third dose to people with immunity problems, the Ministry of Health announced on Friday (October 15).
Read also Covid-19: South Africa is working on the continent's first mRNA vaccine
"
We are ready to open the vaccination campaign to 12-17 year olds, most of whom are in secondary education
," Health Minister Joe Phaahla said at a press conference.
No parental authorization required
According to South African law, children from the age of twelve only have their consent to give in order to be vaccinated, without the need for parental authorization.
From Wednesday, children will be able to receive a first dose of Pfizer's vaccine, a second being scheduled after careful study of possible side effects, said the minister.
Read alsoCovid-19: South Africa lags behind on vaccination
More than a third of adults in South Africa, the country on the continent most affected by Covid-19, have received at least one dose of the vaccine, he added.
South Africa has also set up a digital vaccination certification system, necessary to participate in mass meetings, including sporting events.
Concerning people with immunity disorders, the minister indicated that they could benefit from
vaccine
“
boosters
”, but only on medical recommendation.
