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Eastern Cape government concerned about decreasing COVID-19 vaccination rate

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The Eastern Cape government is concerned about the decreasing COVID-19  vaccination rate in the province. The O R Tambo region and Nelson Mandela Bay have been identified as hotspots of vaccination reluctance.

The Vooma Vaccination Drive has been taken directly to the communities around Mthatha. Young people and senior citizens have been encouraged to vaccinate.

“Now, we are less than 30 000, we are almost 26 000 which shows that the numbers are slowing down and we have also realised that on top of people having the so-called COVID-19 fatigue, they also have vaccination fatigue. In addition to that, there is this hesitancy in particular from men and also those who are 50-59. We are not happy with the turnout and again we were excited with the 18-year-olds and above but also now they are starting to slow down,” says MEC for Health Nomakhosazana Meth.

Eastern Cape residents encouraged to get vaccinated:

Some previously anxious students have now been vaccinated.

“When you are vaccinated there are fewer chances of getting COVID-19 or getting infected with COVID-19 and also that also boosts the immune system, so that is why I was motivated to get vaccinated,” says student Nazo Mbiza.

Jonga Momoza says some people choose not to vaccinate because of myths that have been read about on social media. She urges people to get the right information from relevant sources.

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