Johannesburg - Gauteng Premier David Makhura has raised a concern about the drop in the vaccination rate in the province, amid the approach of a coronavirus fourth wave.
Makhura said there were more than enough vaccines but people were not visiting vaccination sites to get the jab.
The premier, Health MEC Dr Nomamthemba Mokgethi and Joburg mayor Jolidee Matongo visited vaccination sites in Lenasia south on Tuesday.
They adopted a door-to-door approach in a bid to encourage members of the community to vaccinate.
This formed part of the government’s efforts to intensify the vaccination drive. Lenasia has been declared one of the “high-density” areas.
“I am concerned, it is not time to relax. There are too many walking around unvaccinated. Vaccination is important and decreases the infection rate and hospitalisation. If you happen to get the virus you are much safer because of the severity of the disease and the chance to succumb to Covid19,” said Makhura.
To date, Gauteng has vaccinated 2.3 million people.
Makhura has commended both the Joburg mayor and MEC for reaching the million milestone of vaccines administered in the city.
“We still have a long way to go. We can only say we are ready for the fourth wave if we have vaccinated large numbers. No elderly (people) should be unvaccinated at this stage.
“The 34-49 age group has been amazing and they have turned up in their numbers to receive the jab. We have heard the cry of the 18 -34 age group, who are eager to be vaccinated, and this will start to roll out from September 1. For now, we encourage preregistration,” said Makhura.
High-density areas the premier highlighted were Soweto, Ivory Park, Alexandra, Diepsloot and Orange Farm.
Mokgethi said that the Department of Health would drive more outreach programmes to reach those in overcrowded communities.
Makhura added that the automotive sector would be next to receive vaccines followed by the retail sector, which is one of the biggest sectors.
It was believed that many men were refusing to vaccinate. Matongo encouraged men to vaccinate to speed up the process of enjoying the fun things in life such as stadium games and park hangouts.
The Star