Jabs chugging along in Knysna

KNYSNA | PLETT NEWS – Despite the cold weather experienced in Knysna and Bitou last week, people turned up in great numbers for their vaccinations at sites in both sub-districts.

More than 3 000 vaccinations were done in the week between 28 June and 2 July.

"We are thankful for the increased allocation of vaccines to rural areas which has seen larger numbers of people being vaccinated and in doing so decreasing anxiety in communities for those who have waited for their turn," said medical manager for Knysna and Bitou subdistricts, Dr Andries Brink.

In Knysna 69% of those above 60 years have registered for the vaccination with only 52% registered in Bitou.

Joseph Gwayi (81) from Concordia was registered by his daughter and received his appointment date at Knysna Community Day Centre. "I wanted the vaccine and I am glad to be here today [1 July]," he said. When asked how seriously people take Covid in his community, he said people seem to realise the importance of taking care of each other and adhering to regulations.

Anna Pretorius (71) from Brenton-on-Sea was delighted when she received her second SMS with her booking. "I am just happy to be here now and get my vaccine," she said.

"We currently do 50% bookings and 50% walk-ins at the [Knysna Town Hall] site. We are very strict with mask wearing and follow all Covid-19 protocol at our sites," said Knysna Covid-19 response lead, Dr Laurel Giddy. Verona van Heerden (68) from Knysna registered via SMS and had received no feedback from EVDS yet, so she took a chance as a walk-in. "I got up at 04:00 to be here. I just feel relieved to have been vaccinated now and I look forward to my second one in August. This is my first time out in a very long time as I am very scared."

Bitou vaccination sites have also been busy with four sites open last week.

"Our teams are doing really well. We have streamlined our process and all our sites are running smoothly," said Bitou Covid-19 team lead, Dr Anel Scholtz. "We try to assist as many walk-ins as possible and have scheduled 50% bookings and 50% walk-in patients at all our sites for this week. For those in smaller communities such as Wittedrift, we have arranged transport to be vaccinated at a site close by. Outlying areas such as Covie and Kurland had the opportunity to be vaccinated at Crags Clinic for the first time last week. We will continue to add vaccination days to this site."

Mother and daughter Agnes Mbala (66) and Vuyelwa Makhupu from Qolweni visited Plett Town Clinic on 30 June. Makhupu registered her mother by dialling *134*832# and not long after that received an appointment. "It was difficult to explain to my mom why she had to get the vaccine since the communities are rife with fake news around vaccines," she said. Makhupu has four children staying with her in the house and wanted to keep her mother safe who also travels to the Eastern Cape. – Supplied, Western Cape Department of Health

Agnes Mbala (left) was sceptical at first but is now happy to have had the jab after her daughter, Vuyelwa Makhupu, had registered her.