Many Gauteng residents over the age of 18 are flocking to vaccination sites across the province to get their COVID-19 vaccines. This is after government announced that those aged between 18 and 34 will be allowed to get vaccinated from Friday.
The vaccination of this age group was only supposed to start on the first of next month. However, the Department of Health said on Wednesday that there were enough vaccines in the country to move the date forward.
South Africans aged between 18 and 34, have welcomed government’s decision to open the COVID-19 vaccinations for their age group – earlier than planned.
Many South Africans over the age of 18 have expressed excitement to finally have the opportunity to get their jab.
“I’m so excited that we finally get to take the coronavirus vaccination. I’ve been waiting a long time for this because it’s really hindering us from going overseas on holidays . You know some jobs need you to take the vaccine. So I’m glad that it’s finally here and I can’t wait to get it. I’m super thrilled to know that the vaccine is available for us over the age of 18 and I can’t wait to take it because that will get me one step closer to the opportunities that come forth. So yeah.”
COVID-19 vaccinations opened for 18-year-old and older from Friday:
Social activist, Yusuf Abramjee, says he is amazed by the turnout at the vaccination site at the Swartkops Raceway in Tshwane.
“The turnout of over 18’s has been fantastic. In the first 15 minutes or so we jabbed several over 18’s. The over 18’s are excited at the prospect of getting the vaccine. Within an hour or so before we opened there were already about 40 cars waiting in the line. We are offering both J&J (Johnson & Johnson) and Pfizer and there seems to be a mix of the over 18’s in terms of which vaccine they are choosing. Overall there is great feedback and a great response.”
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla earlier said there has been an overwhelming number of registrations for people aged 18 to 34. He says he hopes this trend will continue.
“It’s quite encouraging that since the system went live this morning, we have 184 000 of the 18+ who have already registered. We are hoping that as the day goes up, this will keep up. The highest number is in the metros.”
Government is urging all South Africans to get vaccinated as soon as possible in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19. To date, just over 10-million vaccines have been administered.
The latest SA stats:
South Africa has recorded 13 672 new COVID-19 cases in the past 24-hours, taking the total infections in the country to 2 652 652.
A further 317 COVID-19-related deaths have been reported, bringing total fatalities to 78 694.
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