Makhura says Gauteng Will Only Consider Mandatory Vaccinations after all Options are Exhausted

Gauteng Premier David Makhura says the province will only consider mandatory vaccinations after all options to get people to get vaccinated are exhausted.

Makhura was speaking during the provinces launch of the School Communities Vaccination Programme at Maphutha Secondary School in Mayibuye, Midrand on Thursday. 

The programme is aimed at encouraging young people aged between 12-17 years-old, as well as all other eligible community members to get vaccinated.

Makhura says the province is in a better position than it was during the first wave of COVID-19. 

“Let us avoid risky behaviours of large gatherings as they put us in greater risk. We need to vaccinate as this is the most powerful weapon to defeat the Omicron variant.  We have 8 million adults who are not vaccinated and this is cause for concern. We want to persuade more people to take responsibility for their health by getting vaccinated.” 

At the same time, Makhura says the province will continue its COVID-19 vaccination drive with a particular focus on young people in communities.

“As schools close, schools will open as vaccination sites.” 

Makhura says pop-up vaccination sites will be set-up at 40 identified schools across the province.