The department planned to vaccinate about 46 238 employees through its programme. As of July 2 the DoE had only vaccinated 28 000 staff. The number of vaccinated employees constitutes just over 50% of the department’s target.

“Although the vaccination is voluntary, we continue to urge our teachers and support staff to get the jab as it has been tested and proven scientifically that the vaccine is successful in boosting the immune system to fight Covid-19.

READ: Mpumalanga SAPS employees to receive Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday

“There is, however, a 30-day waiting period for people who may have contracted the virus and tested positive. Equally, those who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms are also advised to wait until they are fully recovered before they present themselves to receive the vaccination,” said Gerald Sambo, the department’s spokesperson.

The vaccination roll-out for educators officially began on Wednesday June 23 and comes to a close this afternoon. Sambo urged everyone within this department who have not yet been vaccinated to proceed to their allocated centres to receive their doses before the deadline expires.

The vaccination centres are open between 08:00 and 16:00.