Elderly urged to wait for SMS

“We appeal to those over 60 to wait for their confirmatory SMS in the second phase of the vaccine rollout. The SMS will notify the recipient of the date of their vaccination. Walk-ins are highly discouraged as they cause congestion at the site.”

Mrs Moipone Mpolokeng, the acting chief executive officer of Witrand Hospital, says the site must plan properly while adhering to Covid-19 regulations. “The seamless process at the vaccination site is evident from the positive experiences and responses from people who have already been vaccinated here. The collective has made sure that the vaccination of those above 60 continues. We urge those who have not yet registered on the EVDS system to do as explained below.

1. Online at www.vaccine.enroll.gov.za
2. Using the WhatsApp line 0600 123456
3. By SMS – dial *134*832#
4. Call the Covid-19 hotline at 0800 029 999
5. The new QR code.

You can simply scan the new QR code and follow the prompts. The QR code will be published widely and can be found on the sacoronavirus website or the National Department of Health. All services are zero-rated; you don’t need airtime, data, or money to use the services as indicated in the third issue of the Choose Vaccine bulletin. The first phase of the vaccination for the above 60s started slowly, but, as the weeks progressed, the numbers started picking up.

The scheduled above 60s had registered earlier, preparing for their first jab at Witrand Hospital. A total of 1,579 residents were vaccinated in week one (17–24 May). Among them was Nora Legae, an elderly woman from Ikageng, who was inoculated on 19 May. “This is the day that the Lord has made. I am happy to be vaccinated on my 80th birthday. I would like to encourage everyone above 60 to heed the call to vaccinate. My grandchildren helped me to register,” she said after her jab. The staff members at the vaccination site surprised Nora with a birthday song.

“We are honoured to vaccinate you on your special day; may you be blessed,” said Mpolokeng.