GEORGE NEWS - People between 50 and 59 are eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine from Monday 5 July.

This follows the opening of registration on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) for 50-plussers on Thursday 1 July. 

Vaccination for people in this age group would have begun from 15 July, but on Friday 2 July the Western Cape Health Department announced in a media statement that the roll-out date in the province is being brought forward.

Business Insider reports that by midday on Thursday, about 214 000 people had registered on the EVDS, almost 10 times the number of registrations recorded the day before.

ALSO READ: If you're in your 50s, register for your Covid-19 jab

One eager 50-plusser, Driekie Schuld, who had registered as soon as registration for the age group opened was hoping to get her jab ahead of Monday - for travelling reasons. She accompanied her husband, Ben, who is over 60, for his vaccination to Harry Comay Vaccination Centre, but could not be assisted. 

The couple were keen to get vaccinated as they will be going on holiday to Kruger National Park in a week's time and are hoping to develop some immunity against infection after their first dose.

Several other people George Herald spoke to simply did a walk-in at Harry Comay on Friday and were all assisted. They gave very positive feedback about the friendliness of the staff.

Friendly staff and bright decorations at the Harry Comay vaccination centre create a lively vibe that welcomes people who come for the Covid jab. Operations manager Wendy Jass (centre) is flanked by Sr Constance Madeley (left) and health promotor Katriena Elbrecht. 

Frank and Rose Gibaud registered two weeks ago but when they had not received confirmation for an appointment by Friday, they decided to go for a walk-in. "What a pleasant experience. We were in and out in 15 minutes. The people are helpful and friendly. We also already have a date for our second dose," said Rose.

"We went because it's the right thing to do for all South Africans to get the country out of lockdown. My son is in tourism and has not been able to work."

Warren and Judy Rosewall, from Sedgefield, registered in April already, but with no appointments forthcoming. They said the vaccination site in Sedgefield receives a small number of vaccines and people queue from early morning. 

When they could not be assisted there or in Knysna, they were told to try Harry Comay, so they drove through to George. Said Judy, "For us it's important to get vaccinated because we want to visit our grandchildren in Australia and we want to protect ourselves and those around us." 

Warren said they were very happy with the service. "I'm glad we came here. It's really first class."

Judy Rosewall from Sedgefield complimented sister Helene Stander who did her vaccination. "It was skilfully done and not painful at all." Photos: Alida de Beer

The department said in its statement that opening up vaccination for 50-plussers is a positive step in its efforts to provide vaccine coverage to the population. 

The EVDS system has started allocating appointments for people over 50, so those with valid appointments will be accepted at vaccination sites from 5 July.

As from 5 July, the EVDS system will allocate available appointment slots in the following order of priority:

Priority 1 - people 60 years and older requiring their first dose of Pfizer vaccine;
Priority 2 - people 60 years and older who are eligible for their secnd dose of Pfizer vaccine (approximately 42 days after their first dose);
Priority 3 - people aged 50-59 years requiring their first dose of Pfizer vaccine.

The department said vaccination sites will continue to accommodate a limited number of walk-ins. This will depend on the vaccine doses available at each individual site.

It stressed that although the over-50 age band is open, the most vulnerable - people 60 years and older - will be prioritised in the walk-in queues over people who are aged 50-59 years.

The department called on people over 60 who have not registered or who have not received an appointment, to present to their closest public sector vaccination site for assisted registration and vaccination. The first dose for people over 60 remains the highest priority at the moment.

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