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Limpopo launches a second vaccination site at an institution of higher learning

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The Health Department in Limpopo has launched a second vaccination site at an institution of higher learning.

Those aged 35 and above can now visit the University of Venda in Thohoyandou to get vaccinated. Last week, Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, also launched a similar secondary site at the University of Limpopo.

The pace of vaccination in the Limpopo province has been accelerated. The secondary site will not only cater for the university community, but population groups that qualify for vaccination around Thohoyandou, can also use the site to get their jabs.

The university has welcomed the decision to establish a vaccination site within its campus.

“We are indeed grateful that the Department of Health has considered us as one of the vaccination sites and some of our students who have been identified and trained by the MEC are providing assistance in the vaccination site” says University of Venda Spokesperson, Takalani Dzaga.

Just above 8% of the population in Limpopo has been vaccinated. This translates to more than 750 000 people. The health department plans to reach more than 60% of the population in the province.

“I think we have tried our level best but I am still not satisfied in terms of the total numbers. I am sure we might have exceeded 750 000 there when I look at people who are fully vaccinated. We are somewhere around 8%, so you can see that we are looking at getting to 67% so we still have a long way to go,” says Dr Ramathuba.

The centre will not only see figures of those vaccinated in the province increase, but it also provides nursing students with the opportunity to acquire the necessary experience.

“I am thankful and grateful for the opportunity to be a vaccinator to be able to save the community and save the world and for the opportunity to have the experience and knowledge, I feel very happy to be part of this vaccination thing that is happening in South Africa because as health workers the health of the community and everyone here is our first priority” says a healthcare worker.

Health authorities say they also plan to open vaccination sites across TVET colleges in Limpopo. This will be ahead of the official vaccination roll out of those aged eighteen and above.

Limpopo Health MEC monitors vaccination rollout programme in Seshego:

 

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