DURBAN: The country’s inmates are expected to receive their share of the Covid-19 jabs, starting from Tuesday, the Justice and Correctional Services Department has said.
Vaccination for Correctional Services officials began at public and private sites last week.
“The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has prioritised vaccination of both officials and inmates, to ensure their protection and that of the general public (with whom interfacing may occur),” said DCS spokesperson Chrispin Phiri.
“Outbreaks of Covid-19 in correctional centres have potential to spread to communities, hence the need to vaccinate both inmates and officials,” Phiri said, adding that the prisoners were being vaccinated “in line with the Nelson Mandela Rules, which clearly stipulate that inmates should enjoy the same standards of health care available in the community”.
“There is a high risk of inmates being exposed to Covid-19, due to the limitations of physical distancing in correctional facilities. DCS remains committed to create a safer working environment for all its officials, and the vaccination programme will contribute towards that,” Phiri said.
Both officials and inmates, the department said, were encouraged to get vaccinated – despite myths surrounding the vaccines.
“Awareness campaigns continue to be implemented within DCS, to demystify some of the myths around vaccines. Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola will also get vaccinated during the launch,” Phiri said, adding that Lamola would be accompanied by the Acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi during the launch, which will take place at the Johannesburg Management Area’s Medium C section.
Miles Bhudu, the president of the South African Prisoners Organisation for Human Rights, has recently called for a speedy process to vaccinate prisoners, saying they were at high risk.
THE MERCURY