Joburg’s vaccination sites are open

The City of Joburg’s non-medical sites (NMS) is open for business from 07:00 to 15:00 daily.

Of the 26 sites spread across seven regions, 25 are operating normally except for one in Freedom Park Region G which remains closed for security reasons. None of the NMS was affected by the violence and looting over the past few days.

Currently, people aged between 35 to 60 and over can register to be vaccinated. The NMS has become busier as more people respond to the government’s call to take the vaccine.

These local halls or sports facilities were set up as NMS tries to make it easier and more accessible for residents to get the vaccine by simply walking or driving a short distance.

Each NMS has a minimum of four vaccination stations with some having up to eight.

The Pfizer vaccine is being administered. This is a two-injection vaccine so immediately thereafter, a second date is given to return after 42 days. The City receives its vaccines from the provincial pharmacy and has sufficient stock for the foreseeable future.

Both spheres are working together to achieve 67% herd immunity. On average 116 people are vaccinated and 3 025 were vaccinated by July 13.

The City continues to encourage residents to register as soon as possible and not be hesitant.

There is fake news and beliefs associated with taking the vaccine but the City has not recorded any severe side effects or deaths. The vaccine is very safe and it is normal to experience headaches, nausea or pain.

Covid infections are rising at an alarming rate daily and it is critical for everyone to be vaccinated and protected against the Covid virus and hospitalisation. As of July 15 persons aged 35 to 49 years can now register.

To receive the vaccine you need to pre-register on an online registration system known as the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS).

The EVDS is available on the website and follows the registration steps.

For support call the Covid-19 hotline: 0800 029 999.

You need the following to register:

• Access to the internet on any device (cellphone, laptop, tablet, desktop)

• Your ID number or passport, (foreign national) Asylum certificate

• Your residential address

• Your cellphone number

Those who do not have access to the internet or mobile device can pre-register at their local clinics and vaccination sites.

Those who are immobile will be assisted to register by community healthcare workers at their homes.

It is also important to remember that healthcare workers are also working under difficult conditions and become ill through stress and quite a number become infected with the Covid virus. This may result in temporary staff shortages as they isolate.

The City provides support by prioritising their needs, ensuring adequate PPE and employee assistance for their well-being.