Question NW1234 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

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21 May 2021 - NW1234

Profile picture: Nxumalo, Mr MN

Nxumalo, Mr MN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

(1)Whether his department in collaboration with the Department of Health has proposed plans to vaccinate university students; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether there is (a) training and (b) an awareness drive to educate students on the vaccine options in future; if not, why not; if so, how soon can the students expect such options?

Reply:

(1) All higher education institutions will be included in the countrywide government phased plan to vaccinate all South African citizens. Higher Health, as the entity that supports the post-school sector in this area, will liaise with the Department of Health, and ensure regular communication with the sector on all matters relating to COVID-19 and vaccination. Higher Health, in collaboration with the Department of Health, Department of Higher Education and Training, and post-school institutions will ensure that all relevant plans and communication relating to vaccination are put in place effectively across the sector.

(2) Higher Health works with all post-school public institutions to support the training of institutional staff and peer mentors on many aspects of work, including COVID-19. This has included the distribution of information on the current phase of the vaccination programme and will include awareness raising at the appropriate times during the phased vaccination programme of government.

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