'Hope is making a come-back in Western Cape'

WESTERN CAPE NEWS - The Western Cape Health Department has been scaling up its Covid-19 vaccination tempo, resulting in the more than doubling of vaccines administered per day in the last three days alone.

On Monday 17 May, when Phase 2 officially started, 729 residents over the age of 60 got their vaccine. This number increased to 1 558 on Wednesday alone. "We expect this trend to continue," said Premier Alan Winde during his weekly digital conference earlier today (Thursday, 20 May).

Winde said the launch of the second phase of the vaccination programme in the Western Cape marked a turning point in the fight against COVID-19.

"Vaccines now provide us with the best possible weapon to eventually defeat the virus and save many lives. While we still have a long way to go, there is no doubt in my mind that hope is making a come-back in the Western Cape. The Western Cape’s approach of scaling up is starting to take shape, and will gain momentum in the weeks ahead.”

On Tuesday, 10 additional vaccination sites were activated, resulting in 18 sites now operational in the Western Cape during this first week of Phase 2. On Monday next week, more sites will be added.

Local teams to send vaccines to sites close-by

Winde said the Western Cape’s Department of Health has been given control over the scheduling of SMS'es as of yesterday (19 May), which will allow local teams to control the distribution of SMS'es in the province. The teams will aim to provide a 3-day lead time so that residents have enough time to get to their vaccination site. "We will also make sure that sites are selected close to where the person resides.

"We understand there were some instances where residents missed their appointment because sites generated by the national scheduling were too far away. This localised approach to scheduling will prevent this from happening again."

People who did miss their appointment, will still be able to get your vaccine and a new date by contacting the following number to reschedule: 0800 029 999.

He said private vaccination sites are also starting to come online. The Clicks Pharmacy group has brought on board a number of sites.

Mediclinic will also bring online private vaccination sites as of 24 May. No private sites have been opened in the Garden Route yet.

To be vaccinated at private sites, one must still be registered on the national EVDS system, and one must be invited to the site, like all others. It must be scheduled.

"The percentage of residents over the age of 60 years old who have registered for their vaccine has increased from 27% to 37% since last week’s digital press conference. This is a positive increase, but it is not enough, as we need to reach 60% of all residents as soon as possible," said Winde.

'Please help register someone in your family or community'

Winde said from his door-to-door #LetsDoThis vaccination drive this week, it is becoming clear that there is high demand for the vaccine, but many people do not know how or don’t have the ability to register for it.

"Our initial registration data is also showing that in some areas, poorer communities have extremely low vaccination registration numbers. No person should be left behind in the vaccination programme because they can’t register for their vaccine. I am therefore making a public call today for you to help register someone in your family or community who is 60 years and older. It is quick and easy and will possibly help save their lives."

He also called on the business community to make staff available to help register people who visit their stores or establishments.