Excitement, optimism as the elderly receive their Covid-19 jabs

The elderly spoke of their excitement and optimism as the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign kicked off in in Krugersdorp, west of Johannesburg on Monday.

The second phase of the country's vaccination drive aims to target close to 17 million people by mid-October. 

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and Gauteng Premier David Makhura visited Krugersdorp to oversee the start of the second phase of the vaccination programme. 

An elderly citizen staying at the Moria Old Age Home, Maria Lingenfelder, said she felt very positive about finally getting her Covid-19 vaccine.

“I am very positive about it. I have been waiting for a long time. The deaths have been upsetting but I am glad that I am finally getting the vaccination which will help me prevent it.”

Matthys le Roux (81) said he had been waiting for his Covid-19 jab since the morning.

“I am feeling fine, I am healthy and alright. Although I waited for a long time.”

Le Roux encouraged all those who still have doubts over the efficacy of the vaccines to get inoculated.

“I will tell them it’s good to come so they must come.” 

According to Mkhize, at least 5 million elderly citizens have been identified to receive the Covid-19 jab before the end of June. 

However, only 1.1 million of them have registered.

Mkhize said they are working with agencies, such as the South African Social Security Agency, to locate all those who have not registered.

“Citizens in the townships, the villages. Those who are not found in the old age homes will be located through SASSA.”

Meanwhile, Gauteng Health MEC Nomathemba Mokgethi said the province did not experience any major hiccups on the first day of the campaign.

“It’s all systems go. We are happy that today we managed to implement phase two without any challenges. I have not received any reports of any side effects or anything like that.” 

Watch Health Minister Zweli Mkhize talking about the Covid-19 vaccine jab