More than 50% of Western Cape residents received at least one COVID-19 jab

The Western Cape’s Department of Health (WCDoH) said that over the last few days, the province has breached the 50% mark of adults in the province being vaccinated with at least one dose.

2 556 131 (51.36%) of adults in the province have ensured they are protected against severe illness.

‘’These vaccination targets are still not near the 70%+ targets that we have set ourselves for year end. The Department would really like to improve the vaccination coverage, particularly of the older and more vulnerable population,’’ the WCDoH said in a statement.

 

National vaccination performance as at 6 December (excluding 12-17 year olds):

 

The department said that the number of people taking up vaccination has also started to slowly increase as access to vaccination has been made so much easier through innovative initiatives such as pop-sites, outreaches and the latest addition – the Vaxi Taxi.

 

To date:

·        511 524 people 60 years and older have been vaccinated – 70.73% of the total population in this age group

·        421 613 (61.63%) in the 50-59 group

·        807 675 (53.42%) aged 35-49 and

·        815 045 (39.61%) in the 18-34 age group

·        In addition, 78 716 of those aged 12 – 17 have also taken up their vaccination.

 

The provincial department appealed to those who has not gotten their COVID-19 vaccine to do so.

 ‘’With the new Omicron variant rapidly spreading, vaccination is more important than ever before to protect against severe illness and death. We once again appeal to those who have not yet been vaccinated to take up any of the many opportunities we are providing within their communities. Get vaccinated and be protected, especially as we are entering the fourth wave.’’

 

Done By: Lizeka Tsotetsi; Mitchum George