The president, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa calls on all people in South Africa who are not yet vaccinated to join the Vooma Vaccination Weekend on November 12-14. Sites will be open all Friday and Saturday and selected sites on Sunday. See www.sacoronavirus.co.za for details.

Vax facts

• Three out of every five people aged 50 plus are either fully vaccinated or have had their first Pfizer dose.
• The fourth wave is likely to hit South Africa early in the new year.
• Over 80% of Covid-19 deaths so far have occurred in people over 50. The Department of Health wants to prevent every death, but aims to reduce the impact of the fourth wave by vaccinating more than 85% of people aged 50 and older. That means providing first-dose vaccinations to at least 3.6 million more people aged 50 and above by the end of the year.
• At the same time, every adult in South Africa is urged to get vaccinated as well as those children aged 12-17 who want to, or are at high risk because of co-morbidities.  

Call to action

All leaders across South Africa are urged to get behind the vaccination programme and mobilise their followers to get vaccinated this weekend.

“We believe that people will come forward to be vaccinated if they hear the message from people they trust, who can reassure them and take away some of their anxieties and provide themwith the facts,” says the Department of Health.

Goal

According to the department, South Africa will not achieve its goal of vaccinating 70% of adults by the end of the year – but the closer the country can get to that target, the more lives will be saved. “It’s most important that older people get vaccinated, because they are more likely to end up in hospital or die. But younger people are also at risk of getting very sick or dying.”

Over 60s

If you are sixty plus and not yet vaccinated, we have good news for you! Get vaccinated during the month of November and you will automatically receive a Vooma Vaccination Voucher valued at R100.

Why vaccinate?

• Vaccination against Covid-19 is thousands of times safer than catching Covid-19 and will protect you and those you love.
• It is not 100% effective in preventing you from getting infection, but even if you do get Covid-19, your chances of getting very sick or dying are much smaller.

How?

• If you are 18 years or older, don’t wait any longer! Get vaccinated at a site near you. You don’t even have to wait for an SMS telling you when and where to go.
• If you are 12 to 17 years of age, you can also choose whether you want to get vaccinated. It’s safe and can protect you and your family.
• The vaccination is free to everyone living in South Africa, whether you are South African or from another country.
• You may visit a government health facility or a private pharmacy that offers vaccinations, even if you don’t have medical aid. You are especially invited to visit a site near you on November 12-14 during the Vooma Vaccination Weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the tollfree Covid-19 hotline 0800 029 999. It is there for you.