Covid-19 Update 77: Wits Covid-19 Vaccination Implementation Plan
- Wits MVAX Policy Implementation Committee
Wits Universit's Mandatory Vaccination Policy (MVAX Policy) will be implemented in January 2022.
Wits University adopted a Mandatory Vaccination Policy (MVAX Policy), which will be implemented from 1 January 2022. The Policy states that all members of the University community will be required to vaccinate against COVID-19 in order to access the University’s premises, aside from those who have been granted Reasonable Accommodation. Members of the Wits community will have until 1 March 2022 to get vaccinated or be granted Reasonable Accommodation.
All persons accessing Wits campus or premises will need to upload their Vaccination Certificate or apply for Reasonable Accommodation on the Wits Vaccine Implementation Portal.
The Policy is for everyone’s protection to reduce transmission and severity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowing us to get back to campus for teaching and learning.
Learn more about the implementation of the MVAX Policy by visiting the Wits Vaccine Implementation Portal at https://www.wits.ac.za/covid19/vaccine-implementation/.
PLEASE NOTE: Access to upload your vaccine certificate or to apply for Reasonable Accommodation will ONLY OPEN IN MID-JANUARY 2022. The date will be communicated in the New Year.
How will it work?
Step 1: Get vaccinated at any vaccination site nationally before 1 March
Step 2: Download your Vaccination Certificate from the Government’s Vaccine Certificate System website: https://vaccine.certificate.health.gov.za/
Step 3: Upload your Vaccination Certificate or Vaccination QR Code:
- Students: Upload to the Student Self-Service Portal (Link will be active mid-January 2022)
- Staff: Upload to the Wits Staff Intranet Portal (Link will be active mid-January 2022)
You will need to log in with your student/staff number and Wits password before 1 March. (You can still upload your certificate and gain access to campus if you have only one shot (Pfizer), but will need to upload the certificate for your second shot within 60 days to continue to have access to campus). Students registering in person or without internet will be assisted to upload their certificate manually.
Step 4: Once verified, you will receive confirmation via email
Step 5: Your access card will be activated to enter Wits campuses, buildings and Wits buses because you have been vaccinated
As of 1 March, all students and staff entering campus via the pedestrian gates or in vehicles will be required to present their access card confirming vaccination status. Handheld card reader devices will be available to accommodate people who are carpooling.
How to Apply for Reasonable Accommodation
Members of the Wits community who are unable to vaccinate due to medical or Constitutional reasons, may apply for Reasonable Accommodation (RA).
Step 1: Log into the Student Self-Service Portal or Wits Staff Intranet Portal (Links will be active mid-January 2022)
Step 2: Complete the online Reasonable Accommodation Application Form and upload supporting documents (doctor’s letter or an affidavit with motivation)
Step 3: You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application
Step 4: Your Department/Line Manager or Faculty Registrar/Committee will consider the request and approve or deny the application
If your RA is approved, you will receive email confirmation and your access card will be activated so that you can enter campus as you have been provided Reasonable Accommodation. You will need to abide by all Wits’ COVID-19 Protocols (see below), and take and upload a weekly negative antigen test result from an accredited service provider to the Student Self-Service Portal or Wits Staff Intranet Portal (Links will be active mid-January 2022). After verification of the antigen test result, your access card will be activated for seven days only. Thereafter, you need to repeat the steps each week, uploading a negative antigen test to be provided with seven days of access to campus.
If your RA is denied, you will be advised via email. You may choose to accept the decision and get vaccinated (See Step 1 - How will it Work?) or may choose to appeal the decision (See Step 5).
Step 5: You can appeal to the Mandatory Vaccination Appeals Committee by logging into the Student Self-Service Portal or Wits Staff Intranet Portal (Links will be active mid-January 2022). Complete the online Reasonable Accommodation Appeal Application Form and upload supporting documents (doctor’s letter or an affidavit with motivation)
If your Appeal is approved, you will receive email confirmation and your access card will be activated so that you can enter campus. You will have to abide by all Wits’ COVID-19 Protocols (see below), and take and upload a negative antigen test result from an accredited service provider to the Student Self-Service Portal or Wits Staff Intranet Portal (Links will be active mid-January 2022) every week. After verification of the antigen test result, your access card will be activated for seven days only. Thereafter, you need to repeat the steps each week, uploading a negative antigen test to be provided with seven days of access to campus.
If your Appeal is denied, you will be advised via email. You may choose to accept the decision and get vaccinated (See Step 1 – How will it Work?) or you may need to put your studies in abeyance or deregister (students) or resign (staff). There is no further appeal process.
Abide by Wits’ COVID-19 Campus Protocols
Everyone must abide by all national regulations and Wits’ COVID-19 protocols when on campus.
Everyone must still follow the 1M + 2V + 3Ss:
- Wear a Mask,
- Stay in well-Ventilated areas,
- Encouraged to get Vaccinated,
- Complete the COVID-19 Screening tool,
- Keep safe Social distance, and
- Sanitise regularly. Read more on the Wits COVID-19 Portal.
Wits' Vaccination and Testing Site
Wits will have a Pop-Up Vaccination Site on campus from mid-January 2022 and will provide COVID-19 antigen testing on-site (Students/staff may apply to qualify for free testing when they apply for Reasonable Accommodation for those who can’t afford it).