Pop-Up registration and vaccination site addressing the needs of Kalkfontein res

Western Cape Government Health, in partnership with Courage to Care and the City of Cape Town, hosted a pop-up registration and vaccination site at the Kalkfontein Community Hall on 20 July.

Sr Andrea Titus, Projects Manager, for NPO Courage to Care explains this was the first outreach in Kalkfontein. The outreach was an important step in ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to register and get vaccinated, as the walking distance to nearest vaccination site was far and there are many elderly residents in the area. “This is what we are here for, to listen to our residents and to see how we can meet the needs of our communities. We wanted a ‘one-stop-shop’, where patients can register and get vaccinated. It was great to see that we had a good turnout”.

By 12:00 on 20 July, 114 Kalkfontein residents had been vaccinated at the pop-up site.  The team had prepared for the day by having their community-based health workers gather names for registration via door to door visitation.  Many patients were unable to register before as they don’t have mobile devices. 

Mr Vuyisile Cukula (64), a resident of Kalkfontein, shared that the outreach was greatly appreciated.  “I never registered prior to today, however I was informed by the healthcare workers that I can come today for my vaccination. Today myself, my wife and my grandmother have been vaccinated here.”

Professional Nurse, Linamandla Jekeqa, who vaccinated Mr Cukula, shared that he was excited to be part of the process of bringing much needed services to the community.  “This is good for the community to get their vaccines, and we are seeing more and more interest on the ground from our elderly residents, I think because they can see the evidence of this devastating Third Wave. Our residents don’t have taxi fair to travel long distances so this is much needed and appreciated by those who have come today. Taking your vaccine is very important to protect you and your loved ones from getting very sick from COVID-19.”