Covid vaccination drive-thru initiative hailed a success
The Rotary Assistant Governor for the area, Anne Thompson also supported the drive with a visit.
Ugu District Health in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Port Shepstone hosted a Covid-19 vaccination drive-thru at the Southcoast Mall last weekend.
According to the service organisation’s, Rowan D’Arcy, this appears to be the first vaccination initiative involving Rotary in South Africa and the first on the South Coast.
“We had people from as far as Durban visiting the area at the time, who took advantage of this opportunity to get their vaccinations. Compliments came from many who had not previously had the chance to get the vaccine due to their work schedules, disabled individuals who found it convenient to remain in their vehicles and those who combined their shopping experience with a quick stop at our site,” he added.
The Rotary Assistant Governor for the area, Anne Thompson also supported the drive with a visit.
While maintaining all Covid screening protocols, the facility offered registration on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS), verification and administration of either the first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. It also ensured a 15 minute observation station for possible adverse effects before departure.
Some people arrived well before opening time on the first day which led to a slight delay, but this was eventually sorted out and waiting times reduced considerably to between five and 15 minutes.
The initiative was able to vaccinate 702 people with the Pfizer vaccine. Of these 75% were for the first dose and 25 % for the second dose. The age group with the largest representation was among the 35 to 49 (41%) followed by the 18 to 34 (26%).
Every 100th person (up to 400th) to be vaccinated received a small token of appreciation for support on the day. The response far exceeded expectations.
The Rotary Club of Port Shepstone thanks all who joined in this worthwhile event and made this initiative the success it turned out to be.
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