Boots on the ground in Wolwerivier

Western Cape Department of Health in partnership with TB/HIV care and community carers have embarked on a registration drive and pop-up vaccination site in Wolwerivier on Wednesday 14 July.  This forms part of the departments continued proactive plan to identify communities with low registration, engage around strategies that work locally and proceed to bring opportunities to register and vaccinate vulnerable community members closer to home. 

Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, joined the outreach to assist and mobilise the community to take up opportunity for vaccination.

Mr. Thobela Mdunyelwa, age 66, was brought to the vaccination site by his son, Andile.  “We did not register my father as yet as we did not have a space nearby for us,” explains Andile.  Many residents are still fearful because of fake news being spread in the community.  Mr Mdunyelwa shared he was excited to be vaccinated and felt good.  “There is nothing to worry about, it is safe,” shard Mr Mdunyelwa.

Sophia Heyns, age 56, was the first resident to be vaccinated as part of the outreach.  “I am not scared of an injection so I was eager to come today.  Before this initiative, I was not registered, in fact I wasn’t really interested.”  Key to the decision was the guidance given by community carer, Mrs Magdalene Minaar, who as part of the door to door registration in the preceding two days by TB/HIV Care, took the time to engage with the community and educate them around the facts concerning vaccine safety.  “I was happy to be part of this initiative. The community trusts me, and so therefore when participating and visiting each home, it was an opportunity to discuss fears and concerns.”

Mrs Heyns went on to say “Now that I am here, I am happy. I realise after receiving the correct information that I have nothing to fear.  This vaccine will help me.  Three of my family members have passed away thus far from COVID-19 so I am to have this opportunity to keep myself and loved ones safe.”