The Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says the first day of vaccinations were successful as 408 people were vaccinated. 

Mvambi announced that the two-day vaccination rollout over the course of this weekend, forms part of various plans that the department is employing towards widening the access to the vaccine to different categories of the population. 

Mvambi says today's vaccinations will take place from 07:30 to 15:00 at House Idahlia. 

The Department of Health is vaccinating 60-year-olds and above for their second dose, and is still open to vaccinate those that have not yet been vaccinated. 

The vaccination drive now also includes people of ages 50 to 59, says Mvambi.

“60+ years received 77 doses and 50+ years received 319 doses on Saturday, 10 July 2021. We continue to make a call for people to present themselves at our vaccination site to register and be vaccinated,” says Mvambi.

Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has meanwhile announced that on 15 July, the system will be open for 35 to 49-year-olds to register for the vaccine.

“This is the greatest act of patriotism because the vaccinated people are less likely to get sick when infected and will not suffer from severe illness or death. We can achieve great things as a nation if we act together responsibly by vaccinating and achieving the herd immunity that we need. Scientific proof is available that vaccines save lives,” adds Mvambi. 

He further encourages people in the province to continue using non-pharmaceutical Interventions as an additional measure of protection.

OFM News/Blaine Jones