Limpopo Covid-19 vaccinations: One million…and counting
After administering one million vaccinations in the province in fewer than four months, Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba says her department is aiming to vaccinate 3,5 million citizens in the province before the end of this year.
POLOKWANE – Ramathuba says the province has the capacity and the ability to attain the envisaged figure. She attributed the one million inoculation-milestone to the service delivery model approach her department implemented, proper planning around the province’s challenges and tailor-made solutions to communities that have strong cultural, religious and traditional beliefs.
The province launched the vaccination programme drive in May and the initiative saw traditional and religious leaders and Premier Chupu Mathabatha becoming the first citizens to get the jab.
The department, led by Ramathuba, then took the vaccination drive to elderly citizens, and general and essential workers who were later joined by the professional football club owners, coaches, technical members, teachers, police officers, soldiers, professionals and civil servants.
They also partnered with the University of Limpopo as well as the University of Venda to open vaccination sites at the institutions to allow community members close to the institutions to get vaccinated.
The drive was then spearheaded to high-density sites including mines, farms and shopping malls.
Ramathuba credited the deed and the feat to her team and the people of the province.
“The team has been working very hard during the registration and vaccination process. We had door-to-door campaigns in all districts of the province and communities responded well. We took the vaccine to the people, they did not have to come to the city to get the vaccine, we took it to them. We have mobile clinics in the rural areas to accommodate those that cannot travel to the city. We needed to start to think differently. People don’t believe in politicians, so we started with the people they believe in, that is traditional leaders and church leaders.”
She said the primary focus now is to ensure that all those above 18 are all vaccinated from September 1.
According to the MEC, their plans include engaging the South African Breweries to ensure that youths vaccinate.
“We want them to work with us because they are hit hard by Covid-19. We are saying they must not allow those who are not vaccinated on their premises. Owners of shebeens and taverns must not be allowed to sell liquor to those who did not vaccinate. Those who want to purchase liquor must produce their vaccination certificates.”
She added they will also approach TVET colleges to vaccinate students.
“We will be all over, guest houses, tourism establishments and farms. We are urging you to get vaccinated. Covid-19 is cruel and brutal, it doesn’t care who you are. We are saying to our people let us get vaccinated because vaccines can save lives.”
She urged men to refrain from societal myths and conspiracy theories and get vaccinated. “Most of them are reluctant to vaccinate because of societal beliefs. Many think vaccines cause erectile dysfunction and this is not true. They must not be vaccine denialists, but go to vaccination sites and vaccinate.”
