​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng has to date, administered 7 974 259 COVID-19 vaccine doses, bringing the total number of fully vaccinated people to 4 126 553.
According to the Department of Health, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Gauteng as at 12 January 2022 sits at 1 151 646 with 1 117 906 recoveries and 20 308 deaths.
A total number of 2704 people are currently hospitalised in the public and private facilities in the province.
To vaccinate as many people as possible, the Gauteng government and social partners are continuing the vaccination drive targeting areas with low vaccine uptake.
Government urges all fully vaccinated persons who are 18 years and above to get their COVID-19 vaccine booster shots so that they can be fully protected.
"Individuals older than 18 years who have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine are eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine after an interval of 6 months (180 days), those who received the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine are eligible for a booster shot after an interval of 2 months (60 days)," said the Department of Health.
Persons who are immunocompromised may receive an additional Pfizer or J&J vaccine dose at least 28 days after receiving their last dose upon referral by their medical doctor.
Children aged between 12 and 17 who received a single jab of Pfizer are eligible for their second dose after 42 days.  
As the academic year resumes, parents, caregivers and legal guardians are encouraged to have open discussions with their children about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, to help them make informed health choices.
Learners are also encouraged to help spread the positive message about vaccination and to convince family, friends and other learners that vaccination is safe and it could save their lives.
Meanwhile, government calls on members of the public to continue practising safety measures such as wearing a mask, maintaining a safe physical distance, washing hands regularly with soap and water and ensuring good ventilation.