David Johnson-Barker (22) of Boksburg North received his Covid-19 jab on August 23. He said: "My experience was smooth and it wasn't even sore. I'm happy that I can do my part in protecting others against Covid-19."
Vaccination for South Africans aged 18 to 34 was initially scheduled to begin on September 1. However, cabinet announced on August 19 that it had decided to open up Covid-19 vaccinations to this age group from August 20, earlier than expected.
The Advertiser visited the Boksburg Civic Centre and Dis-Chem East Point Mall vaccination sites on August 23 and found scores of young people who had come out to get their vaccinations at these vaccination sites.
Those in this birth cohort said they joined the queues of thousands to get their first dose of the vaccine after they had been eagerly awaiting their turn to gain more protection against the virus. They welcomed the government’s decision to allow young people to get the vaccines earlier than expected.
After getting their jabs, this group urged their South African peers to do the same.
Some youth members said they began registering on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) system immediately after the cabinet announcement to get their jabs as soon as possible.
According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Covid-19 vaccines are safe and getting vaccinated will help protect you against becoming seriously ill or die if you do contract the virus.
Wearing a smile under her mask after receiving the jab at Dis-Chem East Point Mall on August 23 is Sarah Booth (28) who said she felt fine and relieved afterwards. “I felt a slight pain as the vaccine was administered, but I'm fine now and I hope I continue to stay fine. In fact, it was not the pain itself, but the thought of the needle piercing my skin. Apart from waiting in the queue, the process was a quick one and was worth the wait. I’m grateful and looking forward to my second shot. I
Angie da Silva (27) of Pretoria received her first jab at Dis-Chem East Point Mall on August 23 and advised her peers that misinformation can’t protect them from the deadly virus, but the vaccine can. “It's only part one, and I’m looking forward to the second jab. I already feel happy and more relaxed. Please do your bit my fellow South Africans because only together can we save lives and beat this virus. Together, we can save lives and the future of our country.”
Angie da Silva (27) of Pretoria received her first jab at Dis-Chem East Point Mall on August 23 and advised her peers that misinformation can’t protect them from the deadly virus, but the vaccine can. “It's only part one, and I’m looking forward to the second jab. I already feel happy and more relaxed. Please do your bit my fellow South Africans because only together can we save lives and beat this virus. Together, we can save lives and the future of our country.”
Wearing a smile under her mask after receiving the jab at Dis-Chem East Point Mall on August 23 is Sarah Booth (28) who said she felt fine and relieved afterwards. “I felt a slight pain as the vaccine was administered, but I'm fine now and I hope I continue to stay fine. In fact, it was not the pain itself, but the thought of the needle piercing my skin. Apart from waiting in the queue, the process was a quick one and was worth the wait. I’m grateful and looking forward to my second shot. I
Kgothatso Mthembu (20), one of the healthcare workers at Dis-Chem East Point Mall vaccination site, said she’s so stoked that she joined the queue a few months ago to get vaccinated. “I’m fully ‘vaxxed’ and ready to fight the virus while also still respecting my fellow citizens by continuing to wear my mask and sanitising. I feel much more protected. It’s our best shot at beating this virus and protecting each other. Get yours to stop getting hospitalised and causing businesses to su
The 22-year-old wheelchair-bound Mbuso Gumbi of Northmead, Benoni, got his first of two Covid-19 shots at Dis-Chem East Point Mall site vaccination site on August 23.
Petro Lamprecht (22) of Boksburg South got vaccinated at Dis-Chem East Point Mall on August 23 after initially being on the fence about it. “I was initially sceptical because of all the misinformation circulating on the internet.” Once she got all the correct information that the vaccine has proven to be effective and safe, she became very happy to receive her dose.
Gugu Gumede (33) of Windmill Park was vaccinated against Covid-19 on August 23 at the Boksburg Civic Centre. Gumede said: ” My experience was great, and I'm thrilled that I got my jab. I would also encourage other people to do their part in the fight against Covid-19 by getting inoculated.”
Anita Johnson-Barker (26) was inoculated against Covid-19 at the Boksburg Civic Centre on August 23. She said: “The experience was great and painless. I'm so grateful that I got my first jab of the Pfizer vaccine. Furthermore, I would like to encourage others to also get vaccinated against Covid-19.”
David Johnson-Barker (22) of Boksburg North received his Covid-19 jab on August 23. He said: “My experience was smooth and it wasn't even sore. I'm happy that I can do my part in protecting others against Covid-19.”
Malisema Ntsele (27) of Dawn Park said her experience of getting inoculated at the Boksburg Civic Centre was good. Ntsele said: “I'm so grateful that I'm now vaccinated against the virus.”
Ricardo de Sousa (24) of Brakpan received his shot of the Pfizer vaccine at the Boksburg Civic Centre on August 23. De Sousa said: “It was painless and I didn't even feel the injection. Being vaccinated means that I'm protecting myself and those around me against the virus.”
What are the side effects? According to the NICD, most Covid-19 vaccine side effects are mild, completely normal and disappear after a few days. And they happen because the body’s defences are reacting to the vaccine. Some people do not develop side effects at all.
The NICD pointed out that the most common mild side effects after vaccination include: • Soreness, swelling, or redness where the vaccine was injected • Mild fever • Feeling tired • Headache • Muscle and joint aches
It is also reported that a very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction after the vaccines, and you should discuss any allergies you have before vaccination. People are advised to see their doctor or healthcare provider if the side effects get worse after 24 hours or do not seem to go away after a few days.
