Free State Department of Health spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says vaccinations will take place today, 10 July, and tomorrow, 11 July, from 07:30 to 15:00 on both days at House Idahlia.

Mvambi says this forms part of various plans that the department is employing towards widening the access of the vaccine to different categories of the population.

“The Department of Health is vaccinating 60-year-olds and above for their second dose, but we are still open to vaccinate those that have not yet vaccinated. The vaccination drive now also includes people of ages 50 to 59,” says Mvambi.

Acting Minister of Health, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, has meanwhile announced that on 15 July 2021, the system will be open for 35 to 49-year-olds to register for the vaccine. 

“The opening for vaccination during weekends comes at a huge cost to the Department and as a personal sacrifice by the healthcare workers that forego their weekends and special time for themselves and their families to assist the community to access vaccinations,” says Mvambi. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming everyone who is willing to vaccinate. We promise an efficient and pleasant vaccination experience to anyone who comes to our site to vaccinate. It really takes a few minutes to verify your registration and be vaccinated. 

"We encourage everyone to register to vaccinate and to please come and vaccinate at our site. If you are not registered, our friendly staff will assist you to go through a quick and easy process,” says Nicholas Pearce, head of the Universitas Covid-19 task team. 

Mvambi urges the relevant vaccination groups to take this opportunity and vaccinate “in order to protect yourself, your family and your loved ones against the Covid-19 virus”.

OFM News/Blaine Jones