City launches mass vax campaign

THE CITY of Joburg this week launched a mass vaccination campaign to support the national Covid-19 vaccine programme, which aims to vaccinate 40 million South Africans.

Vaccination sites and other activities were set up at the Metro Centre public parking, outside the piazza.

Surrounded by colour from the different gazebos, music playing in the background and other health check activities, there was a buzz as people were nervous and excited to receive their jabs.

Residents who wanted to be vaccinated were offered free transport in the form of the city’s metro buses from every region since 9am.

The city expected numbers for attendance to range between 500 and 1 000. People chose between the Johnson & Johnson or Pfizer vaccines.

City departments, entities and partners were also on-site to assist employees and communities on social concerns that they might be having difficulties with.

Mayor Mpho Moerane emphasised the importance of being a vaccinated citizen.

“All spheres of government are hard at work to vaccinate about 40 million South Africans. All this in a bid to mitigate public health and the economic impact of the ongoing Covid-19.”

Moerane said the city as the economic hub of South Africa, is expected to contribute significantly to the country reaching its target and claiming herd immunity against the Covid-19 pandemic.

This way some percentage of economic recovery could subsequently

be achieved to revive our national economy and boost efforts in getting our local government mandate of social-economic development back on track.

“Already Joburg has forged ahead of other South African cities with over 1 million people vaccinated. According to the latest numbers, although reported cases have significantly decreased and no new deaths have been recorded, we are not totally out of the woods.

“Let us be ambassadors and remember that vaccines save lives. It is for this reason that Joburg has taken vaccination where the people of the city are. To make the choice of vaccination easier, we have extended vaccination sites at civic centres, taxi ranks and shopping malls,” Moerane said.

Acting city manager Floyd Brink, who was vaccinated on the day, commended the staff for a job well done: “It is safe to say that the city successfully launched the mass vaccination campaign. We will continue encouraging

residents and employees to say #YesToVacciNation. Please keep your eyes and ears open. We are popping up at a site near you!”

Nursing sister Granny Lethata said: “We have successfully started administering the vaccines and we are extremely happy that the city of Joburg has launched this campaign. We need to do everything in our power to return our country to some form of normality.”

Coming for his first jab was Machak Khoze from Soweto, who said that he saw a lot of activity at the metro centre and decided to check it out.

“As I walked past, I saw that it’s a vaccination site. I decided that everybody is doing it, so I might as well join the majority,” he said.

Joburg employee Beatrice Shilubane, while sitting in recovery after her first jab, said: “I have never had Covid-19 before and I do not wish to have it. It is important to keep myself and my family safe. I am happy that I decided to vaccinate, I feel fine.” |