“Get Vaccinated!” Says 99-year-old vaccine

Margaret Elizabeth Smith (99) and Mogamat Pandy (81) have both become the latest ambassadors for the Phase two COVID-19 vaccinations currently being rolled out across the Cape Metro.  Born on the 13th February 1922, Ms Smith, affectionately as known as “Peggy” has become one of the oldest residents to be vaccinated thus far.  Residing in Claremont, Peggy was extremely grateful for close friends who assisted in transporting and escorting her to the Brooklyn Chest Hospital Vaccination Site.    

“There isn’t anything to fear, I chose to be vaccinated because I don’t want to contribute to the spread of COVID-19.  If you get the vaccine, you are minimising the danger to yourself and others.”  Ms Smith strongly encourages all residents to get vaccinated and when asked to share her message stated very matter-of-factly, “GET VACCINATED!”

Mogamat Pandy from Lansdowne received his Pfizer vaccination at the age of 81 at the Mitchells Plain Hospital’s vaccination site at the Lentegeur Main Hall on Wednesday, 19 May.

“I chose to take the vaccine because I want to travel again. I travel every year and because of COVID-19, I had to stay indoors for almost two years,” says Mogamat with excitement and hope.

“I encourage other elderly people to take the vaccine, it is not painful and don’t be scared,” says Mogamat.

Mogamat is looking forward to receiving his second dose of the Pfizer vaccine in 3 weeks’ time at the Lentegeur Psychiatric Hospital’s Main Hall.

Registering to receive the vaccine is easy

Western Cape Government Health encourages all caregivers and family members of persons older than 60 years to register their loved ones on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). Remember you can register at no cost by using the USSD service. Dial *134*832# from your phone to start the registration process OR send the word “REGISTER” to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp OR visit http://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za. You can also access this link on our website, www.westerncape.gov.za.

The public is urged to only visit vaccination facilities once their appointments have been confirmed. This will ensure that everyone is assisted and gets vaccinated.