GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Over the past weekend, the Western Cape received a further 5 300 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine through the Sisonke implementation study.
This is the first delivery of the third tranche with two more deliveries expected this week, said the Western Cape Health Department in a statement today, Wednesday 17 March.
To date, the province received 31 260 vaccines and have vaccinated 27 570 healthcare workers - utilizing 88% of its allocated quantity since the start of the vaccination rollout during Phase 1.
As more vaccines arrive, more vaccination sites will be opened. Karl Bremer Hospital has vaccinated its full quantity and has since been replaced by Mitchells Plain Hospital as a vaccination site.
There are currently eight vaccination sites across the province consisting of both public and private vaccination site: George Hospital, Groote Schuur, Tygerberg, Khayelitsha District Hospital, Mitchells Plain Hospital, Gatesville Melomed Hospital, Worcester and Paarl.
Vaccinators
The Department has received a positive response from staff to be trained as vaccinators with 3 947 healthcare workers having registered for the vaccinator training and 2 054 having already completed it.
Since a limited number of vaccines are currently available the department has introduced sequencing to ensure equitable access, and that the most vulnerable and most at-risk-of exposure healthcare workers are vaccinated first.
"Even though we follow the sequencing, we do so with and as continue to receive batches of vaccines, we commit to continue with vaccination so that all healthcare workers who are willing to be vaccinated get vaccinated. The continued roll-out of Phase one healthcare worker vaccinations should be complete by end April - depending on vaccine allocations," said the department.
Shielding each other
The department reminded the public of the importance of fresh air and open spaces, and keeping up COVID-safe practices to keep everyone safe.
"The vaccine is currently being rolled out to healthcare workers, but not enough of us have been vaccinated at this stage to stop the spread of the virus."
To keep safe over the holidays, please do:
• Wear your mask at all times
• Keep your holiday gatherings small and outdoors
• Open all windows - also on public transport
• Encourage “at risk” people to stay home
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