Primrose pharmacy vaccinates hundreds daily
“When the government announced vaccines were available we applied immediately as the pharmacy that is why as a private pharmacy we were able to get the vaccine. Ackermans is passionate about the community it services we felt it was important for us to apply and be able to offer our community assistance rather than them
As the country kickstarted its second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination roll-out on May 17, Ackermans Pharmacy was one of the private pharmacies that the government approved to provide the vaccination.
Since May 17 the pharmacy has been vaccinating the elderly from the age of 60 and above and the healthcare workers.
“Since we announced that we are giving the vaccination the response has been overwhelming. We have had people coming as far as Mpumalanga,” said Johan van Wyk from the pharmacy.
He said the pharmacy had to ensure that Covid-19 regulations are observed, considering the high number of walk-ins.
“We have had over 350 people a day who come to the pharmacy for the vaccination,” said van Wyk.
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He said people arrive as early as 6am. Vaccination starts at 8am from Monday to Friday.
“We have six vaccination stations and we group people according to their registration status. Those who have allocated time slots are vaccinated immediately. Those who have registered but have not received a time slot must wait in queue,” said van Wyk.
He said the staff obtained training for the vaccination in part of preparation.
“When the government announced vaccines were available, we applied immediately to be able to provide the vaccine,” said van Wyk.
He said so far they have not had any challenges and people who come to vaccinate are informed about the vaccine.
“We call on volunteers who are qualified nurses to assist for a couple of hours a day. It would make a difference,” said van Wyk.
The pharmacy is providing the Pfizer vaccine.
On the day of vaccination, proof of ID must be taken along. Those who are members of a medical aid must also show proof.
Here’s how you can register on the Electronic Vaccine Data System:
The vaccine registration is open to people with a South African ID number, passport number, asylum seeker permit number or refugee permit number.
You can choose from the following ways to register:
• Online at www.vaccine.enroll.gov.za
• Using the WhatsApp line 0600 123456
• By SMS – dial *134*832#
• Call the Covid-19 hotline 0800 029 999
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Marietta Lombard (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, or (Journalists) Busi Vilakazi busiv@caxton.co.za , and Lebogang Sekgwama lebogangs@caxton.co.za.
