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MANZINI CENTRAL’S 18YRS PUPILS GET JAB

20/09/2021 08:34:00 BY PHIWASE PHUNGWAYO

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MANZINI – Manzini Central High School is the first school in the country to allow the vaccination of pupils.

With the external classes preparing for their examinations, Manzini Central High School has been the first in the kingdom to encourage its learners aged 18 and above, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. Last Friday, the school conducted its first vaccination exercise with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. During the vaccination exercise, Minister of Health Lizzie Nkosi and that of Education and Training Lady Mabuza, together with officials from their ministries, were present to launch and encourage pupils to take the vaccination. Interviews with some of the vaccinated pupils showed that they were well informed in their decision to vaccinate, as they clearly stated the importance of the vaccine, how it could benefit them, and their performance in school.

“I decided to take the vaccine because I know I stand a better chance at surviving should I get infected with the virus,” Mcebo Tibusile Vermaak remarked. Bhekithemba Mhlanga, a pupil in Form V, said his decision to vaccinate was motivated by the fact that he had seen a lot of people who had been infected by COVID-19 and some of them succumbing to the virus. He said it was crucial for him to take the vaccine, especially because he was doing his final class in high school.

Exams

“I cannot afford not to sit for my external exams as this is an essential time in my school life. Getting the vaccine is the best choice for me now,” Mhlanga said. He elaborated that getting the vaccine was the best solution to ensure that he was protected from the virus. Minister of Health Nkosi commended the school for taking the initiative to have its pupils vaccinated. She appreciated the positive informed responses from the youth, and further expressed hope that other pupils who qualified could also take up the opportunity afforded to them. Minister of Education and Training Mabuza applauded the school for taking the important initiative to vaccinate pupils. She said the vaccination among pupils would mean schools would get back to normal and engage in various sporting activities. Mabuza also encouraged parents to vaccinate for the virus. She said this would also ensure the safety of learners, teachers as well as parents.

Meanwhile, Head teacher Girlie Ginindza said it was a proud moment for the school to be the first to vaccinate its pupils. Ginindza encouraged parents to give permission to their children to vaccinate. She emphasised the importance of vaccinating in order to protect themselves and others. Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) embraced the idea for government to urgently consider taking the COVID-19 vaccination drive to schools. The union’s Secretary General (SG), Sikelela Dlamini, said as SNAT, they welcomed the idea of opening up the vaccination exercise to cover pupils because of two reasons.

“The first one being that it will mean the COVID-19 spread shall be contained and schools will no longer be hotspots for the virus. This will mean disruptions in the teaching and learning process will be greatly reduced,” said the SG. Dlamini said the extension of the vaccination to school-going children would automatically fast track raising of herd immunity in the country. He added that the country would quickly reach the required 70 per cent population. “This means that even in the national space, not only in schools, life will soon return to normal. As a union, we can only encourage all emaSwati to vaccinate,” Dlamini said.

Meanwhile, in South Africa, the SA Health Products Authority approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on children aged 12 and older after receiving updated information from the manufacturers, according to News24. The publication cited that the approval came after the launch of South Africa’s vaccine trial on children. Two teenagers, a girl and a boy, were the first to receive the Sinovac jabs at the Sefako Makgatho University in GaRankuwa, Pretoria.