Update: Call to vaccinate as COVID-19 death toll rises

30/07/2021

With the sad news today of the passing of a second Mandela University student due to COVID-19, the University is again urging its staff and students to take up the vaccination opportunity when it arises.

Vaccination becomes our best form of defence against the highly transmissible Delta variant and it is only through achieving herd or population immunity that we can put COVID-19 behind us.

Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of the student who passed away earlier this month, along with three more staff members in recent weeks.

All told, the University has lost 16 staff members and two students, while collectively, as a nation, we are mourning the loss of more than 70 000 people. Many of these deaths have come from the younger age groups, and so we welcome the news of plans to roll out vaccines to the 18 to 34-year age group from 1 September.

Vaccination figures

As of 29 July, the University has vaccinated 5437 people – 996 staff, 4372 public and 148 students. The figure would have been higher but for national vaccine supply challenges which saw the Department of Health (DoH) temporarily halting the distribution of vaccines to the 35 to 49-age group.

Those vaccinated to date include the over 50s and 60s, and essential workers from Metro Police, Traffic Police and the Fire Service, and a large number of the over 35s who rushed to be vaccinated ahead of the official scheduled date of 1 August.

Different vaccines

Apart from adapting to DoH directives, the University’s two Vaccination Centres on North Campus have had to juggle between the two-shot Pfizer vaccine and the single dose J&J vaccination and have responded accordingly.

As a public site, the University is reliant on the Department for supplies, just as the Department is reliant on national supplies.

35 to 49-age group

Vaccination of this group, whose uptake has been the quickest and strongest, will continue from Monday, 2 August, at the University for staff, students and the public. In addition, any newcomers in the older age categories, and those requiring their second Pfizer shots will be welcomed to the Gqeberha campus.

Times and supporting information

As a reminder, please bring the following:

  • Proof of registration on the national Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS)
  • Your ID
  • Your medical aid card if you have one
  • Your vaccination card if you have previously been vaccinated and require a second dose.

Operating hours are from 9am to 2pm on Mondays to Thursdays and from 9am to midday on Fridays. No weekends.

George Campus

The Vaccination Centre on our George Campus is expected to open within the next two weeks, once accreditation processes have been finalised.

Inquiries

For any additional information contact occupationalhealth@mandela.ac.za or call 041 504 1003.

Coronavirus Task Team

Vaccination Rollout Workstream