Western Cape's EMS launches mobile vaccination project, Vaxi Taxi

The Western Cape government has launched a vaccination mobile taxi. Which it strives to get at least 70% of the Western Cape residents vaccinated in December.

The purpose of the vaccine campaign project is to make it easier for those who are unable to reach their vaccination sites also making it accessible to every part of the Western Cape Province.

The project which could be described as a pop-up vaccination campaign, commenced on 4 September 2021, and to date 1 042 vaccines have been administered as a result of the community initiative.

The EMS Vaxi Taxi program started out when the volunteers and EMS officials administered vaccinations at community soup kitchens, markets and whilst conducting home visits in various communities.

EMS director Dr Shaheem De Vries said he is excited to have collaborated with the department of education and corporate partners for the department to provide opportunities for vaccination to communities.

“We are honoured to work alongside the rest of our health colleagues in taking the vaccine campaign to the streets. We see this as an important opportunity to build stronger relationships with our communities and, in so doing, help keep one another safe. I am also thrilled that we have the opportunity to team up with the Department of Education and corporate partners, and we look forward to providing more opportunities for vaccinations to communities in the Western Cape.’’

De Vries further explained that each Vaxi Taxi site consists of two ambulances, one used as a primary vaccination section and  the other a secondary vaccination and resuscitation section.

The site also contains an equipped gazebo and administrative section.

Meanwhile, project leader for the EMS Vaxi Taxi project leader, Wayne Philander, said they are working with community partners to identify locations to offer Covid-19 Vaccines.

“We have been working with our community partners to identify locations to offer the COVID-19 vaccines in and our goal is to reach every corner of the Western Cape. The aim of the EMS Vaxi Taxi is to serve communities and ensure that it reaches as many individuals as possible, whether it be at their workplaces and educational institutions, meeting people where they are.’’

PICTURE: WCGH

Done By: Lucille Dyosi & Mitchum George