Department of Health cancels plans to jab ministers, deputy ministers
The Department of Health has cancelled its plans to vaccinate various special groups including ministers, diplomats and their families, against Covid-19.
South Africa’s vaccination rollout has initially focused on priority groups starting with healthcare workers, elders over 60, teachers and police.
The latest data shows that the country has administered some 3.5 million vaccines.
The department had initially published a circular on special consideration for special groups and individuals who are currently ineligible.
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But the document was retracted on Tuesday afternoon.
“Following the circular on the vaccination of special groups and individuals against Covid-19 there have been numerous comments, queries and submissions that indicate that the Circular is unclear in its intentions.
"The circular is withdrawn in its entirety,” the department said in a statement.
In the initial circular signed by the department’s deputy director-general, Dr Nicholas Crisp, the department said it has received requests to arrange vaccination for special groups including ministers, diplomats and their families.
This was not Authorised by IMC on Vaccine which is the final decider on target population. I have consistently maintained that I will vaccinate when my age group population is opened, this the stance by many of my colleagues. The circular has been withdrawn 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/mnlUcjqxNc
— Mmamoloko Nkhensani Kubayi (@mmkubayi) July 6, 2021
