Poll Results

The results of a recent vaccination poll among students showed that of the 4708 who voted, 52% (2493) indicated that they would take the vaccine, 24% (1173) said no, and 22% (1042) were undecided.

These findings have changed from the initial February poll result in which 42.1% of the 5159 respondents said they would not take the vaccine, 33.7% said they would and 24.2% were undecided.

Milestone reached
While more than 1000 vaccinations have been given to Mandela University students on our campuses to date, vaccination hesitancy is a concern nationally, especially among the 18 to 35-year age group.

(The number of vaccinations given to our students elsewhere is not yet fully known, but all staff and students are obliged to upload this information to the institution via the vaccination information online tool).

Listening to student representatives
The University has set up meetings with the various tiers of student leadership to better understand the concerns and lived realities of students when it comes to vaccination hesitancy.

Student insights
As part of a Student Vaccination Campaign towards safeguarding lives and returning to some semblance of normality on our campuses, please note and feel free to share the following:

• SRC President Pontsho Hlongwane’s article “Vaccination a shot in the arm for vibrant student life” published in today’s Herald.
• A series of bite-sized vox pop videos in which our students give feedback on their vaccination experiences. These will be shared on our social media platforms.
• A three-minute video that shows the vaccination journey at the University’s dedicated Student Vaccination Centre on North Campus, and
• A vlog post by Mandela University student and YouTuber, Carol Dlamini, sharing her concerns and experiences.

Sharing opportunity
All input towards addressing the present challenges are welcomed via cm@mandela.ac.za, as we collectively seek to ensure a safe campus for all. 

Coronavirus Task Team
Student Vaccination Campaign workstream