In a statement, Lebogang Majaha, spokesperson for the Provincial Health Department, says 9 640 healthcare workers were vaccinated. Since the start of the second phase of vaccinations, rolled out on 17 May 2021, a further number of 7 336 people have been vaccinated. The increasing number of individuals vaccinated in Phase 1 and the ongoing Phase 2, stands at 16 976. Those immunised with the Pfizer vaccine are receiving appointments for their second jab after six weeks, says Majaha.

“The province received a total of 10 800 J&J vaccines in Phase 1, for the vaccination of health workers, and 7 020 Pfizer doses have been delivered in Phase 2, targeting our most vulnerable people (60 years and older). The department is making use of an Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) and Stock Visibility System (SVS) to identify demand and allocate vaccines to districts and vaccination sites. The number of people over 60, currently registered on the EVDS, stands at 28 881, from a provincial target of 133 000,” Majaha says.

Over the weekend, the province received an additional 11 trays of the Pfizer vaccine, which consist of 12 870 doses. (Each tray contains 1 170 doses).  Majaha says the doses will be allocated to seven vaccination sites, which include:

- Frances Baard District: Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe vaccination site (Harmony Home) to receive 1 170 doses, and a further 1 170 doses to be allocated to the Galeshewe Day Hospital's vaccination site.

- John Taolo Gaetsewe District: Kuruman Hospital vaccination site will receive 1 170 doses.

- ZF Mgcawu District : Upington Clinic vaccination site will also receive 1 170 doses.

- Pixley Ka Seme District: De Aar Hospital allocated with 1 170 doses.

- Namakwa District: Abraham Esau Hospital in Calvinia and Dr Van Niekerk Hospital vaccination sites will each receive 1 170 Pfizer doses.

“The department is scaling-up registration of people over 60s, visiting health facilities and also through old age homes across the province. This week, the department will continue with registration of people over 60s, visiting health facilities and also targeting old age homes across the province,” says Majaha.

OFM News/Blaine Jones