DA wants vaccination open for all age groups

Inoculation is currently open to age groups from 35 and above.

The country has administered just over nine million Covid-19 vaccine doses, with government aiming to vaccinate 35 to 40 million people by early next year.

The DA’s Siviwe Gwarube says the new Health Minister Joe Phaahla should focus on ramping up the vaccination rollout programme.

 “Dr Phaahla’s markers of success in this role will hinge on how South Africa turns around the poor vaccination rollout to reach as many people as possible. Open registration and vaccination to all age groups and those who are interested in receiving inoculation.

“While priority should be given to those who are most at risk, there is absolutely no reason why vaccination sites should be standing vacant while only 10% of South Africans are vaccinated.”

Gwarube says the government should also ramp up vaccine stock.

“There needs to be a consistent and increased supply of vaccine stock in order to ensure that those who require second doses are able to access it while efforts are being made to provide vaccines to everyone else across the board.

“Government communication has been found wanting and completely behind when it comes to combating misinformation about the vaccine. Without an aggressive communication strategy that guides people where they should go to access the service and the wholesale benefits of vaccinations, provinces will never meet their targets of the people that need to be reached.”

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