In a turnout that sent shockwaves across social media, Cabinet approved the vaccination of citizens aged between 18 and 34 on Thursday.
You can get the vaccine if you are aged 18-34
According to reports, the South African government, faced with mounting pressures in the dwindling numbers recorded at vaccination centres, decided to allow citizens aged between 18 and 34 years to get vaccinated two weeks earlier than the scheduled 1 September date.
From what we understand, this cohort can now approach any vaccination site and get the jab from Friday 20 August 2021.
BREAKING: Cabinet has approved the vaccination of persons aged between 18 years and 35 years from 20 August 2021. #VaccineRolloutSA
— Heidi Giokos (@HeidiGiokos) August 19, 2021
Do you need to be registered to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Currently, those aged 35 and above are encouraged to register for the COVID-19 vaccine using the different channels made available by the Department of Health.
Prior to Thursday’s Cabinet announcement, the 18-34 cohort was scheduled to have registrations open from 1 September 2021.
However, this landmark decision to grant young South Africa access to vaccination centres has brought out about a new sense of confusion.
At this time, The Department of Health has not updated its website with information on how 18-34-years-olds looking to get vaccinated as soon as tomorrow should go about having their details registered on the system.
The process at vaccination centres around the country, for walk-ins and appointment, is as follows:
- persons go through COVID-19 pre-screening questions;
- groups are taken to a waiting area;
- personal details are confirmed to assess whether the person is registered on the EVDS system; and
- if all is well, the vaccine is administered.
While the information on the EVDS website has yet to be updated, the government has encouraged the 18+ cohort to submit their information here.
