The Western Cape Department of Health reached another milestone on Wednesday, October 6 after surpassing the 3 million mark in vaccines administered in the province. According to the Department of Health, more than 40% of the eligible population in the Western Cape has received either the J&J vaccine or at least one dose of Pfizer vaccine. This is currently the highest coverage rate in the country.
The provincial vaccination programme and project office lead, Juanita Arendse, says the department wants to acknowledge every individual as well as the dedicated vaccination site team members (fixed and outreach/ pop-ups), teams within the organisation and all management teams from the HOD to facility-level within the department and City Health for going the extra mile in order to save lives.
“The support from the political leaders within provincial and local governments has been, and is, phenomenal as many of their partners from community structures to higher education institutions, community organisations, the private sector, and other government sector partners, as well as the members of the public who have taken the vaccine,” Arendse said.
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The province’s vaccine rollout was strengthened by the introduction of the Vooma weekend vaccination drive, which took place from Friday to Sunday. The aim of the drive was to add extra “Vooma” for the vaccination rollout and to ensure that everyone has a safe summer season.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde reiterated that the province is currently leading in terms of single doses of vaccines administered. Winde said the local government aims to fully vaccinate 70% of those over 50 years old by December and 70% of the eligible population with at least one dose.
President Ramaphosa also presented an award to the Western Cape (along with Limpopo and Eastern Cape) at the launch of the Vooma campaign Friday, October 1, to mark the excellent progress in the province.
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