75-year-old COVID-19 survivor shares vaccine excitement

COVID-19 has claimed many lives over the past year and the rollout of vaccination campaigns across the world has brought much-needed hope to many people, particularly the elderly who have been hospitalised due to the virus.

The 75-year-old Richard Nessworthy is looking forward to the protection against severe COVID-19 that the vaccine will offer. He was hospitalised at the Brackengate Hospital of Hope between 18 January and 25 February 2021 after contracting the virus. “I went in there with a 50/50 chance of surviving, but I came out alive. They saved my life, and I am so grateful to the healthcare workers at the Brackengate Hospital of Hope. Because of them, I am able to stand here with my wife today. I was there in January and February 2021 and was on oxygen support for 34 days. It was amazing to see the healthcare workers there every day, risking their lives to care for others. Now I can walk around, although I’m not as strong as I used to be.”

Now that residents aged 60 and older can register for their COVID-19 vaccine on the Electronic Vaccine Data System, Mr Nessworthy says he’ll be signing up to get his jab. “I have not received the vaccine yet, but I can say I am looking forward to getting the vaccine. I am 75 years old. What is my motivation? We need to get rid of this virus totally and taking the vaccine can help us do that. I will take it tomorrow if I could to protect myself and my loves ones against becoming severely ill from the virus.”

The COVID-19 survivor is appealing to others not to let their guards down and to continue responsible behaviour. “There are far too many people I see without masks. It is selfish. We can’t be ignorant. We need to wear our masks to protect each other.”

If you’re 60 years and older, you are eligible to register for Phase 2 of the vaccination roll-out, commencing on 17 May 2021. To get the vaccine, you must register on the EVDS system: https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/. If you have elderly neighbours, colleagues, or family members, please assist them to register for the vaccination. You will receive a message to confirm when and where you will receive your vaccination. If you don’t have a cellphone, you can use the cellphone number of someone you trust to share your vaccination information with you.