News

Between 25 May and 9 July 2021, we have vaccinated 20 749 persons over the age of 60 at Old Age Homes and public sites across the Overberg District and 1 876 educators. With the increase in vaccines we are now able to ensure more eligible people are vaccinated quicker.  

We have also seen some private sites open in the Overberg District and people are now able to receive their vaccines privately at Clicks pharmacies in Hermanus, Swellendam and Albertyn Pharmacy in Kleinmond. These private sites are currently only offering vaccines to those with appointments, which is in support of our vaccination rollout to all eligible persons.  

During this week the Department of Health in the Overberg started administering second doses to those who are eligible. Ian Pansegrouw, the first person over 60 to receive his vaccine in the Overberg were amongst those to receive their second dose. According to Mr Pansegrouw he experienced no side effects after his first dose, “I was able to play golf after my first dose, my arm was a bit sensitive at the site of the injection but that is to be expected. I am happy that I was able to receive my second dose in the midst of the third wave and now feel protected,” says Mr Pansegrouw.  

As of 1 July 2021, the registration for COVID vaccination opened on the EVDS for people over the age of 50 years.  From Thursday, 15 July 2021, people aged between 35 and 49 years old can register for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccination of this age bracket is expected to commence on 1 August 2021. This is a positive step in our efforts to provide vaccine coverage to our population. The EVDS system is currently accepting registrations and is allocating appointments for the people over 50 years to be vaccinated. The SMS appointment notifications to people over the age of 50 years who have successfully registered, commenced on Friday, 2nd July to allow for scheduled appointments as from Monday, 5th July. Thus over 50-year-olds with valid appointments is being accepted at our vaccination sites. One of our main priorities remains that of reaching and vaccinating all over 60s.

The EVDS system is currently allocating available appointment slots in the following order of priority: 

Priority 1 - people 60 years and older requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine; 

Priority 2 - people 60 years and older who are eligible for their 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine (approximately 42 days after their 1st dose); 

Priority 3 - people aged 50 -59 years requiring their 1st dose of Pfizer vaccine.

As usual, a limited numbers of walk-ins will be accommodated at the vaccination sites. The number of walk-ins depend on the available capacity and vaccine doses available at each individual site.

Keeping safe during the Third Wave  

We are currently in the midst of an established Third Wave of Covid-19 infections. We are seeing an increase in cases throughout the District. The best way we can protect each other is to avoid social gatherings outside our immediate home environment and protect our ‘bubble’. This is your ‘safe space’.   

Thus, let’s keep this behaviour going for the next few weeks, to break the chain of transmission and flatten the curve.  

We can avoid a transmission chain from setting in by protecting our air space.   

• Avoid all large gatherings;   
• Avoid any social gatherings where possible;   
• If you need to go out to do activities such as shopping, always wear your mask and keep it short;  
• If you must meet, keep it outdoors, small and short;   
• When indoors, dress warmly and ensure the windows are open so your space is well ventilated with fresh air;  
• If sick, stay home  

We thank the public for the co-operation and patience. Let’s work together to roll out the vaccines safely, efficiently and in a fair and dignified manner for all our citizens. Please watch your local media for more details or visit https://coronavirus.westerncape.gov.za/vaccine/