Frustrated community members receive Covid-19 vaccine appointment messages that lead nowhere

Disgruntled locals say the Department of Health should account for sending messages informing them to come in to have their Covid-19 jab today.

These are some of the people that registered to receive their vaccine during phase 2. This follows the announcement that stated that the electronic vaccination data system was now available to the general public, and all citizens aged 60 years and above were invited to register.

Lowvelder received calls from members of the public as they raised their concerns. One member who chose to remain anonymous, said, “I went to Rob Ferreira Hospital. There were about 30 of us and nobody was there to help us. Eventually I went to go and find out what was happening. I was told that their logistics were not right. They then referred me to the Covid-19 hotline number, and also told me I had to get a new voucher number and basically reregister.”

Another caller said he had to drive from Matsulu to Malalane. “I received a message today at 06:02, and I was told that I should go to Shongwe Hospital for assistance. On my arrival, I was told that the vaccine would not be administered today. My wife and I had to travel all the way from Matsulu just to be turned away,” he explained.

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The department released a statement on May 16 stating that today was the launch of phase 2. The newspaper contacted the department for comment, but it had not responded by the time the article was posted.

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According to information shared by the department, phase 2 includes 2 500 000 essential workers, as well as 1 100 000 persons in congregated settings, 5 000 000 people 60 years and older, and 8 000 000 people older than 18 years with comorbidities. It is divided into three platforms: work-based vaccinations, outreach-based vaccinations and vaccination centres.