The South African Department of Health announced during a virtual briefing on 15 October that Covid-19 vaccinations will open to children 12 years and older from 20 October without requiring parental consent.

According to Joe Phaahla who is the Minister of Health in South Africa this age group will first receive one of Pfizer’s two-dose.

While experts assess information suggesting that a vast number of cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) occur after the first and second dose.

Nonetheless, Phaahla said that he can assure parents and young people that even where cases of myocarditis have been noticed, there has been no permanent risk.

He continued to contradict himself by saying that the department is taking precautions in this case.

So far the department claims that the programme will not be rolled out at schools this year. Instead, children older than 12 years will be eligible for vaccination at all public and private vaccination sites.