The Western Cape class of 2021 are next in line to get their COVID-19 jabs with an aim to minimise any disruptions regarding matric exams.
According to News24, Education MEC Debbie Schäfer confirmed that arrangements are being made to prioritise pupils at selected vaccination sites.
Schäfer said the process has been communicated to schools and that the names of pupils, along with their parental consent would be sent to the school district, reports Polity.
Vaccination time slots and transport would then be arranged for pupils who are to be accompanied by a school representative at a vaccination site.
Likho Joja from Fairdale High School was one of the matriculants to receive the jab.
“I decided to get vaccinated because I have seen a lot of people who have been infected by Covid-19, and some of them succumbed to the virus. It’s important that I take the vaccine, especially because I am in my matric year. I cannot afford not to go to school as this is an essential time in my school life,” said Joja.
Tiffany April from Ravensmead Senior Secondary School decided to take the vaccine because she knew she would stand a better chance of surviving COVID-19 if she should get it.
Yonda Mzamo from Fairdale High School said getting the vaccine was the best solution to ensure her protection against COVID-19.
“I am scared that I might be infected by Covid-19 and miss some of my final exam papers. Getting the vaccine is the best option for me right now,” Mzamo added.
“Getting the Covid-19 vaccine is very important for us doing matric this year as we will be writing the NSC exams later this year. We need to ensure that we protect ourselves in order to complete our matric year this year,” said Zinathi Mqombothi from Fairdale High School.
According to Western Cape health officials, ensuring that matriculants get their vaccination offers the best chance to reduce any disruptions during the National Senior Certificate Examinations, as there was a significant impact on matric exams during the second wave of COVID-19 infections.
Only pupils older than 18 are currently eligible for vaccination.
“With matric exams just around the corner, I want to encourage as many of our matric learners aged 18 and over to receive the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible in time for their National Senior Certificate examinations,” said Schäfer.
“We have seen some positive and informed responses from young adult matrics who have opted to get vaccinated. We hope that other candidates that qualify also take up the opportunity afforded to them”, she concludes.
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