The City of Cape Town’s health professionals have given 3 156 first vaccine doses and 451 second doses during the past weekend’s Vooma vaccination drive. It was the first time that weekend vaccinations were widely available and residents made sure they were in line.

The City had a number of fixed and roving vaccination sites in operation over the weekend to encourage residents to get vaccinated.

‘We have several communities where vaccine hesitancy is prevalent because of widespread misinformation. With the campaign, we not only want to vaccinate residents, but also provide them with information and guidance on making healthy choices.

‘The campaign is also an effort to step up our outreach to vulnerable communities who may not have easy access to vaccination services. It is a very real problem for many who want to take the vaccine, but because of circumstances, aren’t able to get to a site,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

The majority of those who received vaccinations over the weekend are in the 30-39 age category (33%), followed by those in the 40-49 age group (25%) and the 20-29 age group (22%). Only 4% were over 60.

‘Our target is to have 70% of all persons over 60 fully vaccinated by December. Currently, only 57% are fully vaccinated while 65% have received at least one dose. The elderly remain our most vulnerable age group and I want to encourage our younger people to assist them to get vaccinated before an expected fourth wave of Covid-19 in December. Vaccination means fewer people will be hospitalised or die as a result of Covid-19 infection. Each vaccination brings us a step closer to our previous freedoms,’ said Councillor Badroodien.

Anyone, 18 years and older, can go to a vaccination site where they will be registered and vaccinated.

Residents are also able to register before going to a vaccination site. They can do so by sending the word “REGISTER” to 060 0123 456 or by dialling *134*832# on their cellphone.

The City further reminds residents to please be mindful of the following when making their way to a vaccination site:

Make sure you know your cellphone number, or if you do not have a cellphone, take the number of a relative or a friend so that confirmation of the date for your second vaccination dose can be sent to this number

Take your identity document, passport, refugee permit or asylum seeker permit number along. If you do not have any form of identification, you will still be vaccinated

Source: City Of Cape Town