A 99-year-old Claremont resident has become one of the latest ambassadors encouraging others to follow in her footsteps and get vaccinated.
Born on February 13, 1922, Margaret Elizabeth Smith, affectionately known as “Peggy” has become one of the oldest residents to be vaccinated thus far.
She said she was extremely grateful for close friends who assisted in transporting and escorting her to the Brooklyn Chest Hospital Vaccination Site.
“There isn’t anything to fear, I chose to be vaccinated because I don’t want to contribute to the spread of Covid-19.
“If you get the vaccine, you are minimising the danger to yourself and others,” she said.
Smith strongly encouraged all residents to get vaccinated.
Among the over 60s that also got a jab was 81-year-old Mogamat Pandy of Lansdowne.
He received his Pfizer vaccination at the Mitchells Plain Hospital’s vaccination site at the Lentegeur Main Hall.
“I chose to take the vaccine because I want to travel again.
“I travel every year and because of Covid-19, I had to stay indoors for almost two years.
“I encourage other elderly people to take the vaccine, it is not painful and don’t be scared,” he said.
Pandy said he was looking forward to receiving his second dose in three weeks’ time.
On Monday, phase 2 was launched with eight sites, of which two were dedicated to vaccinating healthcare workers while six were for vaccinating both health-care workers and those 60 years old and older.
An additional 10 sites were brought online on Wednesday.
The sites dedicated to those who are 60 years and older include: Gugulethu Community Health Clinic; Hanover Park Community Day Centre; Cross Roads Community Health Clinic; Dr Abdurahman Community Day Centre; Inzame Zabantu Community Day Centre; Heideveld Community Health Clinic; Mitchells plain Community Health Clinic; Nyanga Community Day Centre; Gugulethu Clinic; and Eerste River Clinic.
To register, visit www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link, or dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.