Pop-up vaccination sites to be set up at some polling stations
Updated | By Anastasi Mokgobu
Health Minister Joe Phaahla has announced that his department has partnered with the Independent Electoral Commission to place pop-up vaccination sites at some polling stations.
South Africans will vote in the local government elections on Monday.
The minister briefed the media on Friday on the government’s efforts in the fight against Covid-19 and the national vaccination rollout programme.
So far, only 12 140 723 adults are fully vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.
Phaahla says his department saw an opportunity to ramp up its vaccination campaign.
“We are pleased to announce that we have agreed to set up pop-up vaccination sites in the vicinity of at least 1000 voting stations throughout the country, targeting mainly areas where the uptake of vaccination has been low.
“The sites will be set up in the voting precinct but outside the area demarcated strictly for voting so that they don’t interfere with the main purpose of the day, which is voting.
“We hope that this arrangement will offer convenience in that people will have travelled from their homes and they’ll can achieve both their vote and vaccination in one trip.”
Phaahla said the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be the main vaccine available, as it only requires one dose, but the two-dose Pfizer will also be available.
“Nando’s is offering 1000 vouchers valued at R500 each which will be awarded to members of 15 best performing teams in each province, which means 135 teams spread equally in all nine provinces will benefit with each team member receiving the R500 voucher.
“In addition, Uber has also offered free rides up to R100 each for health workers who will be on duty on election day.”
People over the age of 60 who receive their first jab during the month of November will receive a R100 food voucher.
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