The Eastern Cape Health Department is satisfied with the progression of registration for phase two of the COVID-19 vaccination programme. By Thursday, close to 325 000 elderly citizens registered for inoculation. The oldest is the 119-year-old Nomamelika Piliso in the Alfred Nzo District.
The department says the numbers could have been higher, but the process was disrupted by last week’s violent protests, particularly in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The province aims to vaccinate at least 700 000 people during the second phase.
Phase 2 of vaccination gets under way in Eastern Cape:
Provincial Health Department Spokesperson, Sizwe Kupelo, says people must continue adhering to safety protocols including those who have received the jab.
“We wish to urge members of the public to continue assisting the elderly with registration. The department continues to go to deep rural areas for this purpose. We have added 34 vehicles for our officials to go door-to-door for registration. The 119-year-old is expected to receive the life-saving jab this coming Wednesday in the Madzikane Hospital,” says Kupelo.
The total vaccinated under the Sisonke Programme is 479 768. The total vaccinated in Phase Two as at midnight today is 484 108. These vaccinations were with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine. Total individuals vaccinated; Sisonke and Pfizer first dose is 963 876. pic.twitter.com/lbktzwGKmR
— Department of Health (@HealthZA) May 29, 2021
Second phase of vaccination programme off to a smooth start in Eastern Cape:
