Limpopo residents ‘flock’ to Covid-19 vaccination sites, without registering

POLOKWANE – The number of residents going to Covid-19 vaccination sites, without being registered, is stressing the system according to the health department.

Review spoke to the MEC’s Spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, who said residents ‘flock’ to the sites.

“They go to these sites and stress the system. Although we want to be strict, our priority is to ensure that our residents get vaccinated,” he explained.

Muavha said the number of vaccination sites in the province is still small, but emphasised that the province as a whole is ready.

“We as a department encourage those who have access to electronic devices, to assist others so that they can register. Let us help each other,” he added.

Muavha said they started with visits to a number of old age homes in the province.

“We have prioritised old age homes as they have vulnerable residents,” he explained.

Meanwhile, Departmental Spokesperson Neil Shikwambana confirmed that there are currently 15 vaccination sites in the province:

– Pietersburg Provincial Hospital;

– Mankweng Hospital;

– St Rita’s Hospital;

– Donald Fraser Hospital;

– Dr CN Phatudi Hospital;

– Mokopane Hospital;

– Thabamoopo Hospital;

– Nkhensani Hospital;

– Kgapane Hospital;

– Groblersdal Hospital;

– Dilokong Hospital;

– Siloam Hospital;

– Malamulele Hospital;

– Modimolle Multi-Drug Resistant TB Hospital and;

– Thabazimbi Hospital.

Mediclinic Limpopo and Netcare Pholoso Hospital will also soon be ready to start with vaccinations.

Residents over the age of 60 are urged to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) at https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/.

What is needed to register:

• Access to the internet on any device (cellphone, laptop, tablet, desktop etc.)
• Your ID or passport number (non-RSA), general contact information (your cellphone number will be used as the primary mode of communication).
• Information about your employment (primary employer and location of work)
• Where relevant, your professional registration details, and medical aid are also requested.
• With all information at hand, registration should take approximately 2—3 minutes (three steps)

You can view the user manual for general instructions here.