By Kaya 959 Reporter
Six million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Gauteng. This means more than three million people have been fully vaccinated.
On Wednesday, the Gauteng Department of Health announced that it had reached a milestone of 6 058 345 vaccines.
Spokesperson Kwara Kekana says of that figure, Gauteng has 3 076 767 people who are fully vaccinated, meaning they have taken both doses of the Pfizer vaccine or a single J&J vaccine.
“This milestone comes at the time when the province is taking the vaccination programme to retailers, shopping centres and other workplaces to widen access to vaccines by as many people as possible. The more people are vaccinated, the better our chances of beating the anticipated fourth wave,” Kekana says.
Gauteng embarked on an intense campaign in August to vaccinate as many people as possible. The province targeted areas with low vaccine uptake.
“Vaccination has been proven to be effective in minimising severe illness, hospitalisation and death in the event one contracts the coronavirus,” Kekana says.
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Gauteng sites accept walk-ins
The vaccination programme is now open to residents as young as 12.
Kekana says those who received a two-dose vaccine need to return for their second dose at 42 days.
All Gauteng sites, both private and public, are accepting walk-ins regardless of whether people have registered on EVDS or not.
A total of 6 058 345 COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered as of 2 November; 3 965 718 are fully vaccinated.
Kekana says all those who are eligible are encouraged to visit their nearest vaccination site to receive the jab.
“It is thought that by getting 70% or more of the adult population vaccinated that we can minimise the impact of the fourth wave. This will also help us return to the things we love such as attending sporting, cultural, religious and entertainment events of our choice safely,” Kekana says.
