Hundreds of locals aged 60 and over received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination last week. The Health Department rolled out the second phase of the vaccination, which targeted healthcare workers and senior citizens.
“The early bird catches the worm and senior citizens clearly understand that, because they came at dawn to get vaccinated,” said Estcourt Hospital Public Relations Officer (PRO) Zandile Gamede.
Estcourt Hospital began its vaccination programme on May 17 with the Pfizer vaccine.
“Each person gets the first jab and then gets a follow-up date for the second one. At this stage, only citizens 60 years and older and healthcare workers are eligible for vaccination. Each person receiving the vaccine is monitored for 15 minutes to check if he / she has any side effects before being discharged to go home,” explained Mrs Gamede.
Gogo Mtshali, who was among the first group to receive the vaccine, was in good spirits.
“I am happy that I have been vaccinated,” she said.
She also tried to allay the fears of those waiting in the queue to be vaccinated.
“Don’t be scared; it is not painful. I am just fine after getting the jab and I have been monitored for 15 minutes for any side effects,” she said.
Mike Bessinger, who received the jab at Forderville Hall on Saturday, was full of praise for the staff.
“I want to thank the Covid-19 vaccination staff at Forderville Hall for the supreme way they treated me. Your fast, efficient service of less than 30 minutes is superb. Be blessed,” he said.
ALSO READ: Over 60s, get your Covid-19 vaccine at Forderville Hall
Estcourt Hospital has launched five more vaccination sites.
Forderville Hall was launched on May 19, Wembezi Multi-Purpose Centre on May 20, the Ntabamhlophe Thusong Centre opened on May 21, Phasiwe Hall in Loskop on May 22 and the Weenen Hall site began operating on May 23.
“Senior citizens are requested to make use of a vaccination site closer to their homes and must bring along their identity documents. Vaccines are free and we are appealing to the Estcourt community to assist the institution by taking eligible citizens to any vaccination site for them to be vaccinated,” added Mrs Gamede.
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