Department Of Health in the Overberg ensures no person is left behind

Since the start of the vaccination rollout in the Overberg, the Department of Health has worked tirelessly to ensure that all walks of life are reached during the vaccine rollout. From offering vaccines at public vaccination sites and vaccinating the elderly in old age homes, to setting up vaccination sites in school halls for special groups that includes teachers and the department of social development. The Department of Health is determined to ensure that all vulnerable groups are reached.  

As part of the departments continued proactive plan to identify communities with low registration and vulnerable community members the department recently visited the farming community of Klipdale in Cape Agulhas. During this visit, health workers we able to administer first and second doses of the Phizer vaccine at a central point, vaccinate those who are bedridden, register eligible person and educate people in the farming communities on the benefits of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 

According to Sister (Sr) Lee-Jane Siddque, one of the Clinical Nurse Practitioner responsible for farm health in Cape Agulhas and currently part of the Cape Agulhas roving vaccination team, the farming community of Klipdale is very eager to receive their vaccination. “We inform the farmers on social media groups and they bring their workers and their families to our outreach sites, we are happy to see the positive response and support we have received from the community,” says Sr Siddque. The roving vaccination team based in Bredasdorp consists of roughly 30 people which includes vaccinators, administrators, a pharmacist, cleaners and community health workers. The roving team vaccinates farming communities in the areas and assists at public sites where necessary.  

John Vermulen a 62 year old farmer and his 87 year old mother, Janette Vermulen visited the outreach site to receive their second dose of the vaccine. According to John he decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine because he takes care of his elderly mother and needs to be protected so he can protect his family.   

Monica Kwinana a 57 year old farm worker says she was brought to site with some of her colleagues to receive the vaccine. “I got the vaccine to protect myself against COVID -19,” says Monica.  

Across the Overberg, The Department of Health in partnership with local NPO’S will continue to conduct door-to-door registration and activations in malls as part of the Department’s “Boots on the Ground” campaign to increase the level of registration and vaccination in the community.   

Call on eligible age groups  

We urge any citizen 60 years and older who has not registered or have not received an appointment, to please present to their closest public sector vaccination site for assisted registration and vaccination. The first dose for 60-year and older remains the highest priority at the moment.  

Remember over 35s, 50s and 60s, you can register at no cost by: 

Using the USSD service: dial *134*832# (data free) 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.