Different vaccines

Yesterday (Wednesday), at very late notice on Tuesday, the University switched to providing the one-shot J&J jab because of a national shortage of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine.

The institution is still providing the Pfizer jab to those who are due to receive their second jab. However, these supplies are limited.

We will endeavour to alert staff, students and the public should our supply from the Department of Health be finished.

At present, all newcomers are receiving the one-shot J&J vaccine.  This was well received by yesterday’s recipients as their vaccination journey is now complete.

Increased numbers
As of yesterday, the University had vaccinated more than 4 600 people, including 931 staff members. The team vaccinated a record 420 people on Monday, during its 9am to 2pm operating hours. On Friday, it vaccinated 336 people in just three hours from 9am to midday.

These numbers are largely being achieved by our own health professionals, who are performing this service over and above their normal working commitments.

Dedicated Student Site
In other good news for the national rollout plan, the University opened a dedicated student vaccination site at the nearby North Campus Student Health Services clinic on Monday. This site is vaccinating students who fall into the 35 to 49-age group, and whose role will increase as the younger age groups are vaccinated.  Students from the Health Sciences Faculty who are working on the frontlines are also being vaccinated at this site.

Better processes
A new process for staff will soon be introduced so as to mitigate against possible unhappiness around preferential treatment.

It had always been the University’s plan to vaccinate its own staff first, but these hopes were overtaken by a national directive to speed up the present rollout plan and vaccinate all walk-ins.   

Inclement weather
A system to counter the inclement weather is also in place. Those who have come for the vaccination remain in their cars until called to avoid unnecessary waiting in the cold, rain and wind. 

Patience and Understanding
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we consistently try to improve our services to staff, students and in this case, the wider Mandela community.

Inquiries
For all staff related inquiries contact occupationalhealth@mandela.ac.za or call 041 504 1003 and for student queries, studenthealth@mandela.ac.za or 051 504 1149.

You can also check out the vaccine rollout webpage.

Vaccine Rollout Workstream