This news, along with the introduction of rapid testing for students (from 9am to 11am daily) as another strategy to halt the spread of the virus, comes as staff numbers move towards the 75% vaccinated milestone. As at 11 February, 73% of staff were vaccinated.

Nationally, vaccinations of all age groups stand at 28.1%.

Vaccination appreciation

The University thanks all staff and students who are vaccinated. The greater our vaccinated numbers, the safer our environment will become. In the interim, the University continues to practise all COVID-19 protocols.

Staff statistics

According to Occupational Health Services, of the 2536 staff members who are vaccinated, the majority are from the 50 and above age group (over 50s at 81% and over 60s at 82%). 

993 staff members are not vaccinated, and 19 have received their first dose.

Of the 207 staff members on George Campus, 125 have been vaccinated.

The majority of Mandela University staff have received the two-dose Pfizer jab, and 198 have already received the booster.

Booster changes

The National Department of Health has announced on Sunday that from tomorrow (Wednesday, 23 February), you can now get a second Pfizer shot after 21 days (previously it was 42 days), and you can get your Pfizer booster three months (previously six months) after your second jab. Boosters are for those over 18.

From yesterday, those individuals who received the J&J shot are also now eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine two months (60 days) after their last shot.

Similarly, from tomorrow, those who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the J&J vaccine.

Students

While all the staff statistics have been pulled from the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), this is not possible for students given the large numbers (about 29 000). Drawing the information is a labour-intensive exercise and the University does not have the resources to do this.

However, as at last year, the University had vaccinated 5426 students (with many more who would have been vaccinated elsewhere) and hopes to increase this number by making access to vaccination easier, making it available at each of the campus clinics daily from 1pm to 3pm on weekdays.

George Campus

The George Campus clinic takes staff bookings in working closely with the Department of Health to vaccinate both staff and students on alternate Tuesdays.

General vaccination information

As a reminder, staff can use the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre on North Campus during the following operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 3pm
• Friday 8.30am to 2pm

Contact Occupational Health on 041 504 2045 or 041 504 1526 or occupationalhealth@mandela.ac.za

Vaccination Rollout Workstream