The major vaccination sites on the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses of the North-West University opened their doors for the first time last Friday (16 July). The North-West University invites Potchefstroom residents as well as neighbours from Parys, Fochville, Carletonville, Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp to get their vaccinations on the Potchefstroom campus this weekend. Last weekend, from Friday to Sunday professional nurses and pharmacists administered in total 3208 vaccinations on both campuses. According to prof. Awie Kotzé, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences who oversaw the vaccination drive, confirmed that a total of 1 200 Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses were administered in Mahikeng and 2 008 Pfizer vaccine doses were administered in Potchefstroom.

At first, vaccinations were originally aimed at registered NWU staff, their families, and domestic workers, but as information spread by word-of-mouth and social media many members of the public who were registered to receive vaccinations also lined up. This coming weekend these sites will again open from 8:00 – 16:00 from Friday to Sunday for anyone who is 35 years and older. Patients at the Potchefstroom campus need to note that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one shot, is administered. Those who have received their first Pfizer vaccination will not be allowed to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and should therefore wait until Pfizer will be administered later again. Follow the Herald for an update on the vaccination process.

Those who want to get their first jabs, need to use the Gerrit Dekker entrance of the university, next to the botanical gardens. Follow the clear directions to get to the vaccination venue. Patients need to bring their ID documents, medical fund information (if any). Patients who have problems with the registration process will also be assisted. Remember that children are not allowed on the vaccination site.