GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - People over the age of 60 who reside in old age homes will be the first members of the general public to be vaccinated in the Garden Route, starting in George this week before rolling out in Knysna and Bitou from 31 May onward.

“We will start with people in old-age homes,” said Garden Route District Department of Health (DoH) director Zee Brickles. 

“We plan to start vaccinating the rest of those who are over 60 and who have registered, at our sub-district sites in June. This is all dependent on the number of vaccinations we receive and when we do receive them. 

"Those who have registered will then receive an SMS with a date, time and venue. SMS messages will be sent out a few days in advance in order for clients to make the necessary arrangements. Please do not visit vaccination sites if you have not received your SMS to confirm your appointment.”

The DoH encourages residents 60 years and older to register for their vaccine.

The DoH implores community, friends and family of people 60 years and older to offer help to get them registered. "If you are a business, help your customers to register when they visit your store. We are all in this together, and no person should be left behind," a DoH press release stated.

If you are over 60 and registered for your Covid-19 vaccine, you can expect:

• An SMS confirming your registration.

• A second SMS with an appointment date and the place – for those who have already registered, this should come in the next two to three weeks.

• To get vaccinated with your first dose.

• Proof of vaccination card.

• An appointment date for your second dose (if two-dose vaccine).

Bedridden persons OR those with severe disability at home who want to be vaccinated

A number of people will not be able to visit a vaccination site for a vaccine, due to a disability or being bedridden. In such cases teams will be sent to homes to do vaccinations. Family or friends of such people are asked to give up these names and addresses at the nearest clinic so that the DoH can keep a register.

To register for your vaccine, please visit here (link is external) and click on the link, or Dial *134*832# and follow the prompts (FREE on all South African Networks), or WhatsApp the word REGISTER to 0600 123456.

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