Over 60s targeted for vaccinations
The Mpumalanga Department of Health said it has a plan to reach and register all the province's people for its Covid-19 Vaccination Programme. This includes those who do not own smartphones and cannot operate one.
The minister of health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, officially launched the South African Covid-19 Vaccination Programme’s registration portal last week.
The electronic vaccination data system is now available to the general public and all citizens aged 60 years and above are invited to register.
The spokesperson for the Department of Health, Dumisani Malamule, said, “Community healthcare workers in Mpumalanga will be registering older persons in their household and in health facilities. Stakeholders will also come on board to assist in the registration process.”
Mpumalanga recorded 1 385 deaths and 48 new cases as of April 20. Some 16 947 vaccines have been administered.
During the launch, the minister said they are aware not all the citizens own a smartphone. “We will be using the smartphones and petrol donated to us by various companies and philanthropic organisations. This is to send out teams to help our vulnerable citizens who do not have access to digital technology, including the elderly, the homeless and those who live in deep rural areas that are difficult to reach.”
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If a community member is unable to register by these methods, he or she can go to the nearest vaccination centre and register there. If the community member is 60 years or older, he or she will be vaccinated on the spot. The vaccination areas have not been announced yet.
To register on the portal, one must have an ID and medical aid card (if applicable) ready. It is important to enter the correct cell phone number, address and medical aid number.
Registration does not guarantee immediate vaccinations, just an entry onto the waiting list.
