School staff vaccination roll-out well underway amid fears

Springs Civic Centre has been abuzz for almost a week, as local teachers show up for their Covid-19 vaccinations.
Audrey Tsahabalala, a teacher at Payneville Primary School, admitted that she was nervous to get the shot.
“There are so many stories, especially on social media, about the negative effects of the vaccine.
“But people are dying of the virus, so I believe I should get the vaccine despite my fears.”

Tsahbalala also said she was encouraged when President Cyril Ramaphosa mentioned in his address on Sunday night that people should be careful of false information circulating on social media.
“The needle is the scariest part.”
And when it was done, she was glad it is over.

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Tshabalala is one of thousands who will help reach the Department of Basic Education’s goal of vaccinating 582 000 staff at public and private schools before July 8.
Site coordinator Sr Thembani Masina said their daily target is 350.
“In the first few days, we did not get enough clients to reach our target.
“The highest was 307 on Wednesday, but today looks good so far.
“We hope to make up for the numbers we missed on the other days.”
Philip Nkadimeng, a general staff member of Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck, also expressed some doubts about getting vaccinated for Covid-19.

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“I am really nervous.
“The last time I got vaccinated I was a baby, so I don’t remember any of it.
“I just don’t like the injections.
“I am doing this because we have to,” he explained.
The site has a screening station where all are screened as they arrive.
Any persons with a temperature of more than 38°C is taken to have a Covid-19 test done immediately.
Those with a normal body temperature move on to the registration station, where their details are taken.
The clients are then verified on the department’s database to ensure they are school staff.
After getting their jabs, the clients are then observed for 15 minutes by the medical professionals.
This is to see if they have any adverse reactions to the medicine.

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