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: WCGHDone By: Lucille Dyosi & Mitchum George
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