Tafta residents, staff receive Covid-19 vaccine
Tafta’s CEO, Femada Shamam, said the feeling of elation and relief in the organisation was palpable as other homes await their visits from the Department of Health.
FOLLOWING a year of isolation, residents and staff at The Association for the Aged (Tafta) breathed a sigh of relief when the Department of Health arrived at Tafta on Ridge on administer the Covid-19 vaccine.
The department vaccinated a total of 150 staff and residents at the Overport-based home.
The residents and staff who received the Pfizer vaccine will receive their second dose on 8 June.
Maureen Hunter (78) and her husband Dennis (80), said they are excited to be one of the first to receive the vaccine. They understand that they still have a long way to go before being able to confidently physically interact with their loved ones.
“It’s such a privilege to be one of the first. Sometimes, being old does pay off. I know many are still sceptical, but my advice is, just go for it!” she laughed.
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Jeanette Johnston (80), shared Hunter’s enthusiasm: “I am extremely pleased, so happy, thank you so much to the team! They did such a tremendous job, I barely even felt the jab in my arm. I really encourage others to vaccinate,” said Johnston.
Tafta’s CEO, Femada Shamam, said the feeling of elation and relief in the organisation was palpable as other homes await their visits from the Department of Health.
“It’s been a long, and trying road for us all, but the end is finally in sight, and we’re exceptionally grateful that our homes will soon receive a visit from department officials. We are not sure on which door they will knock on next, but all of our doors are open and our staff are ready to welcome them in.”
To date, apart from the 150 vaccinations administered at the Tafta on Ridge facility, a further 92 elders and staff at John Conradie House, and 54 staff and elders have been vaccinated at Wentworth hospital, close to John Dunn House. To date, 76 per cent of Tafta elders registered to be vaccinated.
Sister Geldenhuys, programme director of outreach at the Department of Health said, “It has been an absolute pleasure to be leaving a mark down in history. Phase 2 prioritised the elderly as they are grassroots of our community, they are also high risk and have therefore been prioritised. It has been an exciting experience to come through and help elders by providing this service to Tafta.”
Shamam added that the organisation was on standby to assist DOH staff: “Tafta staff remain on standby to monitor vaccinated elders for adverse side effects, but to date, none have experienced any serious complications.”
The organisation’s nursing staff had also been trained to administer the vaccine and are prepared to assist DOH staff as they arrive at each facility.
“We are looking forward to celebrating as our residents receive their vaccinations. This process heralds a dawn of a new chapter and we are anxious to turn the page on the loss and tragedy of the pandemic,” Shamam said.
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