3 more days left for social sector vaccinations

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is encouraging all members of the social service sector who qualify to be vaccinated to do so, before the vaccination rollout for the social development sector comes to an end on Friday, 30 July 2021.

This follows the announcement by the National Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, on Sunday, 18 July 2021, that all social service professionals and support staff in the Department of Social Development will have a chance to get their Covid-19 vaccine as part of the National Vaccine Rollout Plan. Those eligible within the sector was determined by the National Government.

“All Early Childhood Development (ECD) staff and social service professionals are also encouraged to walk-in at their designated vaccination site, and should bring their identity documents, confirmation of employment at an ECD, or proof of professional registration.

The COVID-19 vaccine serves as our most effective way to fight the current pandemic, and to save lives. As such, I urge all those people who work in the social development sector and who qualify to be vaccinated, to make use of this special opportunity that is coming to an end this Friday.” said Minister Fernandez.

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) can report that as of the 27 July 2021,  3 695 persons have received their COVID-19 vaccine as part of the vaccination rollout for the social development sector.

The South African Council of Social Service Professionals has also facilitated the registration of its members – who include social workers from NGOs and those in private practice, social auxiliary workers, and child and youth care workers.

Seventeen vaccination sites around the province have been made available for this process. We would like to encourage all those who received an SMS to report to their assigned sites on the scheduled dates and times.

Social service professionals who have not received an SMS, and are over the age of 35, are urged to register themselves on the EVDS system, so that they too can make use of this opportunity.

ECD staff and social service professionals can find out whether they have been loaded onto the EVDS by calling: 0800 029 999 before going to the vaccination sites.

ECDs who have queries about their sites may contact the following representatives:

Please note that the vaccination rollout programme is voluntary, however, we encourage all members of the social development sector to make use of this opportunity to vaccinate in Government’s endeavour to reach as many people as possible, and to protect ourselves from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below:

https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development