THE Melomed Gatesville Vaccination Centre has been officially closed after successfully vaccinating 19 720 health-care workers.
On March 3, the centre began the roll-out of the Sisonke Johnson & Johnson vaccination programme to health-care workers in the Western Cape.
The implementation study between the Department of Health and the South African Medical Research Council aimed at vaccinating about 500 000 health-care workers across the country as part of phase 1 of South Africa’s mass-vaccination programme.
Of these health-care workers, the Melomed facility aimed at vaccinating 19 720 over a 10-week period (with a two-week pause) – which was successfully achieved.
“The outcome of the collaboration with the public and private sector has led to an amazing, innovative and proactive team which came together at a critical time in health care to ensure we execute a well-managed, fully operational vaccination site. We are grateful to all those who showed and proved their commitment towards this important project. We also thank Johnson & Johnson for the vaccines and to Sisonke for their assistance and support,” Melomed Hospital Holdings said in a statement.
“It was extremely encouraging to have been able to work alongside team members who embraced the task of ensuring that we are able to support the national Department of Health and our country’s objectives towards overcoming this pandemic.”
Meanwhile, as phase 2 starts with those over 60, seven vaccination sites in the metro have been identified to be functional sites this week.
They will serve as a vaccination site for people over 60 who have been contacted as well as health-care workers.
The sites include Brooklyn Chest Hospital in Ysterplaat, Helderberg Hospital in Somerset West, Mitchells Plain Hospital, Khayelitsha Hospital, Karl Bremer Hospital in Bellville, Brackenfell Clinic and Albow Gardens Clinic in Brooklyn.
“Over the next few weeks, more vaccination sites will come online, including rural sites, to provide vaccination services to the identified population,” the provincial health department said.
Residents who are 60 years or older are encouraged to register to be vaccinated.
“It is imperative that the public support us during this first week and the best thing to do is not to present to a vaccination site if you have not been contacted. We encourage everyone who is 60 or older, or knows someone who is, to please register for your vaccine (or help an over-60 to register),” the department said.
To register, visit www.westerncape.gov.za and click on the link, dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (free on all South African networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123 456.