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The Department of Health has stated that it intends to improve vaccination rates by using pop-up vaccination sites at roadblocks.
Mosebenzi Zwane, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, stated that his committee supports this initiative because it could serve a dual purpose. For example, one allows drivers and passengers to get their vaccinations while resting near the road.
Furthermore, he states that the committee took note of all road safety initiatives and that increased visibility of law enforcement on the roads remains a priority. Due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, he has also urged all road users to follow Covid-19 protocols. “Travellers ought to observe all protocols at all times, and should regard themselves as potential carriers of this virus.”
As a result, Zwane urged people to use vaccination sites set up by the government near major roads. In addition, Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla encouraged people to get the COVID-19 vaccine during the holiday season. This is after announcing that vaccination sites will be open during the holiday period.
“We also call upon South Africans to celebrate this festive season with a lot of caution, especially with regard to alcohol consumption,” Phaahla said on Friday, 17 December 2021.
“Our health facilities are already under a lot of pressure with the COVID-19 as we indicated a 70% rise in admissions and we’re least ready to handle large numbers of casualties, from motor vehicle accidents and also interpersonal violence.”
He told the media that healthcare workers are physically and emotionally exhausted nearly two years into the pandemic.
“So, we plead to think of them as we celebrate this festive season,” he said.
Likewise, Dr Phaahla emphasised, “On behalf of the people of our country express our gratitude to all our health workers who continue to sacrifice their own lives and those of their families and their lives while caring for all of us.” Citizens, he said, should honour frontline workers by celebrating the holiday season responsibly and by getting vaccinated.
The Minister expressed concern about the “dramatic” drop in vaccination uptake, particularly in the last seven to ten days. “There was an uptick immediately after the announcement of the new variant, but the numbers have gone down quite drastically.”
On average, the department has been administering between 100 000 and 130 000 during midweek. This, according to Phaahla, was far from the target of reaching at least 250 000 people per day. “We are well short of vaccine coverage for us to reach population immunity and protect the nation.”
He also warned that COVID-19 is still very active, with new infections and hospitalisations rising.
The country recorded over 24 000 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, 16 December 2021. Phaahla stated once more that the vaccine is a reliable weapon against COVID-19.
“Many of us will be moving from places of work in the cities to our rural places and holiday destinations. We’ll be celebrating Christmas and New Year with relatives and friends who will be travelling for many hours in private cars, taxis, buses, trains and airplanes.”
He has urged vacationers to follow health and safety precautions while on the road. “Above all precautions, we should get our jab before we go on jolling and jab before you jive and ensure that we’re fully vaccinated.”
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Comments 1
It’s not the best idea to do vaccinations at roadblocks. Some people may feel intermittently ill post-vaccination possibly leading to a fatal accident. People should get vaccinated any of the current or expanding vaccination sites but at roadblocks honestly isn’t ideal.
Do The Right Thing, Get Vaccinated!