During his weekly press briefing, National Health Minister Dr Joe Phaala announced that 1 000 vaccination pop-up sites will be set up at various voting stations. The pop-up sites will be situated in areas across the country where the uptake of vaccination has been low.
Vaccination sites not to disrupt voting stations
Minister Phaala further explained that even though the vaccination sites will be set up in the voting area, they will not interfere with the main purpose of the day – to vote.
“We hope that this arrangement will offer convenience in that people will have travelled from their homes and they can achieve both their vote and vaccination in one trip. We welcome the fact that political parties have no problem with this arrangement,” he said.
Priority will be given to the J&J vaccine
According to Minister Phaala, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be given priority as it is only one jab, thus more convenient for those who have travelled far.
“Once a person has voted they can then proceed to the pop-up site to be registered and vaccinated. To make it even more convenient to have one trip, priority will be given to the use of the J&J vaccine, which is a one-dose [vaccine],” said Phaahla.
He added that the Pfizer vaccine will be available for those who prefer it or are due for their second jab.
“We know that our biggest weapon against Covid-19 at this stage is vaccination and we have to use every opportunity where people will be gathered to offer vaccination. We are therefore very pleased with the partnership we have struck with the IEC [Electoral Commission of SA] in this regard.”
Nandos offers incentives for healthcare workers
Minister Phaala went on to thank health workers all around the country “who raised their hand to be on duty” as well as the IEC authorities for “their support and cooperation”.
Nandos Chicken has donated R500 000 as an incentive for healthcare workers for a small competition on Election Day.
“Nandos is offering 1 000 vouchers valued at R500 each, which will be awarded to members of the 15 best performing teams in each province. This means 135 teams spread equally in all nine provinces will benefit, with each team member receiving the R500 voucher,” the minister said.
“We appreciate every form of incentive which encourages people to vaccinate. The list of pop-up vaccination sites will be available on the SA-coronavirus website and NDOH website,” the Minister said.
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