Mkhize: Covid vaccination sites not able to accommodate walk-ins, for now

Mkhize: Covid vaccination sites not able to accommodate walk-ins, for now

The Health Department says, for now, it can't accommodate walk-ins at its Covid vaccination sites. 

Vaccine centre
Twitter/HealthZA

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize's made it clear that only those who've received communication about their appointment dates can turn up - at these centres - for their jabs. 

Monday marks the start of the rollout of phase two for people aged 60 and over.

"As we move on with the vaccination programme, we will be able to accept people who are walking into the vaccination sites, particularly the senior citizens who have not been able to register. 

"The programme has been designed to avoid long queues. This is why it is important that as many people as possible register beforehand, and follow the instructions which they receive by SMS ". 

Mkhize and provincial MECs briefed the media on Sunday night. 

READ: Phase two Covid-19 vaccination rollout kicks off: What you need to know

He said the Covid jabs will be taken to old age homes.

"For those citizens living in old age homes, they will not receive an SMS because the vaccines will be brought to them - they will be registered and vaccinated in their old age homes - we are targeting about 7 700 senior citizens living in 102 old age homes by the end of the week and 50 000 citizens documented in old age homes will be completed by the end of May. The Provinces will detail their respective outreach plans for Old Age Homes."

Mkhize says the coronavirus vaccine can save lives. 

"The vaccine will protect you from getting severe Covid disease or dying from Covid. However, no vaccine works 100% and we also still do not know whether vaccination prevents transmission of the virus. It is therefore still important to follow the standard COVID-19 safety precautions to protect yourself and those around you. 

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