Old age homes urged to assist residents to register for COVID-19 vaccine

The Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is urging all old age homes to assist their residents to register for their COVID-19 vaccine so that we can prevent severe COVID-19 illness and deaths.

The Department of Health is facilitating the planning and implementation of Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out plan, which includes all citizens who are 60 years old and older.

“Whilst opting to be vaccinated is a choice, there is a body of evidence that suggests that the vaccine provides excellent protection against severe COVID-19 illness and deaths.  While we understand there are concerns, we need to ensure residents have the facts at their disposal to make an informed decision.”

Although Government is in the process of rolling out COVID-19 vaccinations, now is not the time for us to let our guard down. We all must play our part to keep ourselves safe as the virus remains out there,” said Minister Fernandez.

All residential facilities are encouraged to urgently register residents who are 60 years and older on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD)’s role as stipulated in the Older Persons Act, is to register residential facilities and monitor adherence to norms and standards of care within facilities. 

Whilst the department subsidizes older persons within these respective facilities, all old age homes are owned and managed independently.

In the Western Cape, there is a total of 300 old age homes of which, 117 are funded by the DSD.

As of 17 May 2021, the number of residents in old age homes who have recovered from COVID-19 has increased to 2 664. The current figures show an increase of 14 recoveries, and a stabilisation in the number of active infections at 8, since the DSD last provided an update on 04 May 2021.

Senior citizens are at greater risk of requiring hospitalisation or other forms of specialised services if they contract COVID-19. As such, the DSD remains on high alert, and responsive to any potential risks of infections increasing across old age homes.

“I wish to thank the managers of every old age home, carers, staff, officials and family members for their ongoing commitment and devotion in helping us manage the spread of the virus at all old age homes. We are grateful and appreciative of all your efforts during these challenging times,” concluded Minister Fernandez.

All residential facilities can access information with regards to the COVID-19 Vaccination roll-out on www.vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za.

We urge the public to access credible information on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus.

The Western Cape Government urges the public to be wary of fake news that finds its way to you via social media or WhatsApp on COVID-19 and vaccines. We need your help to combat the spread of misinformation, fear, fake cures, fake news and malicious hoaxes. Report fake news on WhatsApp at 067 966 4015 or email fakenewsalert@dtps.gov.za.