Teacher unions are ecstatic after the announcement by the Department of Health on Friday that 300 000 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses will be set aside for teachers.

Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, together with a panel of experts, were briefing the media on the progress of government's efforts in the fight against Covid-19, including an update on the national vaccination rollout programme.

Deputy Director-General of Health Dr Nicholas Crisp said the country had experienced constraints due to the lack of vaccine availability.

However, the department confirmed it had received 300 000 Johnson & Johnson doses.

"We will be initiating two stages; the first one is the education sector. There are 582 000 in both the private and the public sector, including employed personnel, School Governing Bodies (SGB) and private educators. Many have been vaccinated because they are over 60-years-old. The programme is designed with a major thrust that should be concluded over 10 days."

Crisp said all provincial health departments would be focusing on vaccinating teachers during the 10 days.

"The 300 000 doses will obviously not be enough to complete the whole sector, but fortunately, the next consignment of vaccines due next week is also from a similar source in the US," Crisp added.

He said the reason for accelerating the programme was the vaccine's short lifespan. The vaccines expire on 11 July and is to be used by 10 July.

The Department of Basic Education said it was arranging for school staff go to designated vaccine facilities for the jab and that transport for specific sites would be available.

"We urge teachers to remember to take their ID documents and medical aid cards if they have medical aid."

The second phase of the programme would target police officers.

Teacher unions welcomed the announcement.

South African Democratic Teachers' Union general secretary Mugwena Maluleke said the news came as a relieve to teachers.

"This is a welcome relief as we are facing the devastation of the third wave. We urge all the education workers to take the vaccine. It's safe and it works. It will protect them, their schools, and their communities. We will continue sharing facts about the vaccine efficacy and quality to encourage those who are hesitant to look at the facts."

The executive director of the National Professional Teachers' Organisation of SA, Basil Manuel, said: "We are very excited the vaccines have finally touched down. The aim is to have all educators vaccinated, and we will push for more vaccines to assist our education workers. But we are excited with the rollout."