Senior residents receive first dose of the Pfizer vaccine
The senior citizens of Thokoza and surrounding areas queued up for their first vaccination of the Pfizer vaccine at Phola Park Clinic and Thokoza Youth Centre, on July 5.
This follows the Gauteng provincial government and its partners activating the mobile vaccine sites and social mobilisation programmes to ramp up the vaccination programme.
The programme is for citizens aged 50 years and above. It will continue until July 7.
One of the residents, Tebogo Setai (59), who received the Pfizer vaccination told Kathorus MAIL that the process was fast and easy.
He said at first he was a bit nervous because of the things he heard people say about the vaccine.
“People say it is painful and it can make a person sick. That is why I was nervous, but it was a different story when I got here. I got my first injection and I still feel good,” said Setai.
Pietros Kubehka (59) reiterated that it is like taking any other injection; there is no pain or anything to be scared of.
“I still feel the same way. The condition of my body has not changed, there is no difference. I did not have second thoughts because I know that by getting this vaccine, I am protecting myself and the people around me,” he said.
He said he will also get the second injection when he is called.
Lydia Mokwena (63) shared the same sentiments. She said the vaccination was something she had been waiting for because she is living with chronic conditions.
“I do not feel any different to when I first came. After taking the vaccine, they make us wait for at least 15 minutes to monitor us. I still feel like myself. I do not know how I will feel later on or in the next coming days. I hope the vaccine will help us,” said Mokwena.
Manager of nursing services Gladys Mafolo said the vaccination site has been running well and that those who got their first vaccination will have the second dose in August.
“I think we are doing our best because all the supportive structures are here. We have our vaccinators and we have people who are screening outside and registering those who are coming for the first time,” said Mafolo.
She said they have vaccinated over 300 people on July 5.
How to register
Residents can visit Phola Park Clinic and Thokoza Youth Centre to register for the vaccination. To register, bring your ID or driver’s licence or a police-stamped affidavit.
Residents from Palm Ridge and Greenfields can visit Rhiza Babuyile Mobile Clinic in Palm Ridge Clinic and Rhiza Babuyile Mobile Clinic in Greenfields Clinic between 09:00 and 15:00 for the duration of the vaccination programme.
