How to register for the COVID vaccine: Electronic vaccination data system

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize announced that South African residents over the age of 60 are able to register for the COVID-19 vaccine via the government electronic vaccine data system (EVDS) from 16 April.

Previously, only healthcare workers were allowed to use the registration portal but as the country’s vaccine campaign continues it will become open to more of the population. The EVDS digital system is the first of its kind in South Africa and it will be integral to defeating the virus.

Mkhize said the quality of the service will be the same for all citizens and the system will assign a vaccination site closest to people’s homes or places of work regardless of whether the site is a public or private facility.

HOW TO REGISTER YOURSELF WITH THE EVDS

Persons 60 years or older may now sign up for vaccination. According to the Department of Health, the process should take 2-3 minutes if you have the necessary documents and information at hand, including your ID and medical aid card, provided you have one, a cellphone number and the address where you live.

The department said registration does not guarantee an immediate vaccination but the information you input will be used to communicate the details of your vaccination appointment when the time comes.

Once vaccinated, the details of your vaccination will be recorded digitally and you will receive an SMS, which confirms that you have received a jab. All vaccinated people also receive a vaccination card.

How to register via the website:

• Ensure you have access to the internet and a smartphone, tablet or computer
• Visit vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za
• Follow the instructions on the welcome screen and input all the details the system requests
• Once registration is completed, the system will send you a confirmation SMS, which means that you are now scheduled to receive a jab.
• You will receive another SMS with the time, date and location of your appointment when the time comes.

“We do understand that not everyone in this country has a smartphone or has access to the internet,” said Mkhize. The Department of Health will dispatch teams with smartphones to assist vulnerable citizens who do not have access to the internet, including people in rural areas, the homeless and the elderly.

ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF REGISTRATION

If you cannot register online, you may go to the nearest vaccination centre and officials will register you “on the spot.” Mkhize said that if you are 60 and older and visit the site you be vaccinated immediately even if you aren’t registered. He also said that a WhatsApp registration service that will allow people to sign up in the chat app is in the works.

The Health Minister encouraged all people who are tech savvy to assist older resident with registration.

“Please help your mother, your father, your grandmother, your grandfather or your friend who is 60 years or older to register so they can get vaccinated,” said Mkhize.

Vaccination is voluntary.

READ: Vaccine registration: Elderly without internet urged to sign up at libraries