60-year-olds can now get Covid jab without registering first says Gauteng health dept

People over 60 years and above, who have been prioritised for vaccination, no longer have to register to get the Covid-19 jab.

This move was prompted by concerns over the slow rate of vaccinations in the Gauteng province.

The provincial health department called on all citizens 60 years and above, and who are yet to receive their vaccination, to go to their nearest vaccination site to get the Covid-19 jab.

“People who are registered and those not registered on the EVDS platform will be assisted when they visit the sites,” said spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for health Kwara Kekana.

“They must just remember to bring their proof of identity.”

Kekana said the announcement followed concerns over the slow rate of vaccination within the targeted age group.

She said this decision by the department would ensure that many vulnerable citizens were serviced.

“No person is to be turned away from vaccination sites.”

Kekana said the Gauteng provincial government had also increased the number of vaccination sites for when more vaccines become available.

“A total of 25 new sites have been added to the current list taking Gauteng vaccination list to 129 (89 public and 40 private sites).”

The new sites are spread across the province, with Tshwane having 20.

Kekana said healthcare workers were also assisting the elderly in their homes and other settings to register on the EVDS in preparation for vaccination.

She said for assistance with registration, members could contact the Gauteng hotline on 0800 Gauteng (428 8364) or 0800 22 88 27.

“Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By vaccinating and adhering to the non-pharmaceutical interventions, we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and keep the economy open,” Kekana said.