1. The roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines in South Africa has to date targeted those 18 years and older using a standard vaccination schedule (one dose of the Janssen® (J&J) vaccine or two doses of Comirnaty® (Pfizer) vaccine) and a single dose of Comirnaty® (Pfizer) vaccine for adolescents between the ages of 12 years and their 18th birthday.
  2. This circular outlines changes to the eligibility criteria for vaccination for adolescents between the ages of 12 years and 17 years.
  3. From 09th December 2021, all children 12 years and older will be eligible to receive two doses of Comirnaty® (Pfizer) vaccine 42 days apart.
  4. Both doses of Comirnaty® (Pfizer) vaccine will be provided at public and private National Vaccination Programme sites only. We are not encouraging any vaccinations to take place at schools as part of school health programme. This will be reviewed during 2022.
  5. The transition from adolescence to adulthood has been a challenge for many who had a dose as a 17-year-old and has subsequently turned 18. The first sms messages have been sent to inform adolescents to return for their second doses.
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