Online registration for vaccines to open today
South Africans 60
years old and above will be able to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data
System (EVDS) self-registration portal from today.
This is in preparation for the second phase of the vaccination roll-out expected in mid-May.
Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize says people aged 60 and older, can register for the second phase of the government's vaccine drive - from 4 this afternoon.
"Those who are turning 60 in 2021 will then be eligible. In the same course of phase 2 will be focusing on the frontline workers and the next batch will have to be around those who are 40 years and above. This is to assure that we can protect many people from getting severe diseases and hospitalisation or death."
The target for phase 2 is 14 million elder citizens who are at the highest risk of hospitalisation.
Millions of the J&J and Pfizer vaccine are expected to land in the country in the coming weeks to finalize phase 1 for health workers and prepare to kickstart phase 2.
The registration drive comes amid the decision by the government to pause the rollout of the J&J vaccine due to blood clotting fears.
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Citizens are encouraged to use the EVDS system, however, those who do not have internet access will be allowed to register at vaccination sites.
The Department of Health's Dr. Lesley Bamford said all people who register during this phase for elder citizens are guaranteed a vaccine.
"We are encouraging who have older relatives who may not be able to register online for themselves to assist them but then of course there will be other ways whereby people can register. Some of the provinces will be running local registration drives and closure to vaccination there will also be facilities close to vaccination sites or at the sites where people can register," said Bamford
She added that registration will in May when vaccinations are rollout.
Only South African citizens and registered foreign nationals can register on the portal.
What you need to register:
-ID or passport
-Access to internet on any device
-Place of work or residence.
-Contact details
The final phase of the vaccination rollout is expected in November.
