By Kaya 959 News
Vaccine registration for the 35-49 age group kicked off on Wednesday night. According to officials, one million people registered for the COVID-19 vaccine in less than 24 hours.
“The National Group(35+Cohort), You breaking Record. We have 1 million registration in less than 24hrs,” Acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane tweeted.
The National Group(35+Cohort), You breaking Record. We have 1 million registration in less than 24hrs 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦#VaccinateToSaveSouthAfrica
— Mmamoloko Nkhensani Kubayi (@mmkubayi) July 15, 2021
Vaccine rollout for the age group is expected to begin on August 1.
As of July 8, more than four-million people in South Africa have received the vaccination.
Disruptions in Gauteng and KZN
Riots in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal caused disruptions at some vaccination sites.
“The recent violent protests have impacted the vaccination rollout and also disrupted access to essential healthcare services including collection of chronic medication by TB, HIV, Diabetes and other patients in some districts and areas in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,” health officials said in a statement.
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Both government and the private sector are focused on protecting lives and preventing harm to staff and patients.
Vaccination sites that were damaged in the unrest have been temporarily closed.
“Anyone who had been scheduled to be vaccinated at sites in districts or areas that are affected by the unrest is advised to defer their vaccination. The Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) will automatically reschedule appointments for those unable to attend; it is programmed to reschedule up to two missed appointments.”
How to register
Despite the disruptions, registration is moving full steam ahead.
“All people who are eligible and scheduled to vaccinate in the affected areas, are urged to call the COVID-19 Call Centre on 0800 029 999 or make use of the various self-help channels: vaccine.enroll.
Are you 35 years and older? It’s your time to register on the Electronic Vaccination System (EVDS) in order for you to be vaccinated. To register, you can use any of the options provided #35to49 #VaccineRollOutSA pic.twitter.com/H0R0yhlpo3
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) July 15, 2021
Registration for anyone 35 years and above can now register as from today. You don’t have to pay to be vaccinated #RegisterToVaccinate #VaccineRollOutSA #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/kBnfRKTUfV
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) July 15, 2021