Government has now approved covid-19 vaccinations for all legal adults in South Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, as part of increasing the country’s roll-out programme, government approved and fast-tracked the vaccination of those between 18 and 35 years of age. Initially, registration for this cohort was only set to begin on September 1, 2021.
The approval has been met with eagerness as reportedly over 184 000 vaccine registrations were made on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) system within hours of the announcement.
The excitement was palpable as many youngsters queued up at vaccination sites around the country to get their jabs. Wits first-year dentistry student, Dineo Mogale (19) told Wits Vuvuzela that the process was pretty easy: “You just have to fill out the form, sign and get the vaccine. It doesn’t even take five minutes,” she said. “My second jab is on the sixth of October,” she added.
Wits first-year dentistry student Dineo Mogale receiving her first dose of the vaccine. Photo: Keamogetswe Mosepele
Accounting student Ahmed Kharbai (19) says he will be waiting a little bit longer to get his first dose, but only to avoid any long lines: “I am definitely excited to get my jab. I am going to wait through the weekend and then go – just so I can skip the queues. I am glad they’ve opened so soon, hopefully getting our generation protected will help our country get herd immunity faster,” he said.
Here is a look at some of the reactions to the big news from around the country:
Seeing friends back in South Africa finally able to get vaccinated. Feeling elated and joy all over again.
— Simon de la Rouviere
(@simondlr) August 20, 2021
(@simondlr) And done! All Pfired up!
Get out there and get vaccinated, South Africa!#PfizerVaccine #Pfizer #VaccineRollOutSA #VaccinesSaveLives #SouthAfrica pic.twitter.com/rHclxj1nU2— PhDeon de Jager (@DdJ_SA) August 20, 2021
Vaccinations for those 18 and over kicked off much earlier in South Africa than anticipated. If you are eligible to get vaccinated, please do so.#VaccineRollOutSA pic.twitter.com/Pi7PZJ3DtX
— Jianni Bergh (@BerghJianni) August 20, 2021
18-34 ! You can now get registered and get you jab ! ABSOLUTELY FREE ! #vaccinated #VaccineRollOutSA #VACCINE #VaccinateToSaveSouthAfrica #TOPSHighlife #theultimatecheckout #WeTheYouth #POWERVaccinates #GetVaccinated #SuperSoft #FlipOrUnfoldFridays #ItsGoTime | Vaxxed pic.twitter.com/Kq43rCoTib
— Paulvin Webster (@paulvinwebster) August 20, 2021
Beautiful 18-34 cohort:
In your snaps, posts & everything while being vaccinated, please give as MUCH detail as possible in location, how long it too, alles.
Let's spread the things okes. The older ones must fear our moves and eagerness to get vaccinated.
Cos ya, we coming!
— MiyaMotoMoto Musashi
(@ElGrandeNinho) August 20, 2021
(@ElGrandeNinho) People over the age of 18 do not need to register beforehand or wait for vaccination dates to be sent to them, walk-in’s are now allowed. A list of vaccination sites can be found here.
Earlier in the week the department of health had said South Africa has successfully administered 10 million vaccines, that number will undoubtedly rise in coming weeks as this new cohort heeds the call to vaccinate.
FEATURED IMAGE: 18-35-year-olds gear up to vaccinate. Photo: Keamogetswe Mosepele.
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