vaccine for the elderly

Nosayinete Cetyiwe,103-years-old, was one of 29 elderly community members to sign up for their Covid-19 vaccine in Delft. Image via: Western Cape Government

A 103-year-old woman amongst oldest to register for COVID-19 vaccine

Health MEC, Nomafrench Mbombo, joined nurses and healthcare workers to register elderly members on the Electronic Vaccine Data System.

vaccine for the elderly

Nosayinete Cetyiwe,103-years-old, was one of 29 elderly community members to sign up for their Covid-19 vaccine in Delft. Image via: Western Cape Government

Nosayinete Cetyiwe, 103-years-old, was one of 29 elderly community members to sign up for their COVID-19 vaccine at the Masimanyane for Aged, Disabled and Child Educare Centre in Delft, Cape Town.

Western Cape Health MEC, Nomafrench Mbombo, joined nurses and community healthcare workers to register elderly community members on the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) on Monday, 10 May.

ELDERLY TAKING VACCINE TO ‘KEEP SAFE

Margaret Tontsi, 64, who also registered said she decided to take the vaccine as she doesn’t want to become seriously ill.

“I am afraid of the Coronavirus. I have heard from people who have taken the injection (vaccine) and they’ve said it will protect them from becoming very ill. I have seen what COVID-19 has done to our communities. I was sad. But I am happy that myself and nobody in my family has contracted the virus, not even flu. So, I will take the injection to keep safe.”

Meanwhile secretary of the Delft Seniors’ Forum Jessica Daniels, 63, said she’s heard many negative stories about the vaccine.

“I have heard stories about the vaccine and how it won’t work, but I know it can help us. In my opinion, whatever happens will happen. I am going to pray and have faith that this will protect me and my family.”

PUBLIC URGED TO REGISTER THEIR ELDERLY RELATIVES

MEC Mbombo has encouraged the public to support their elderly relatives as the awareness drive continues.

“As we move closer to the rollout of phase two of the Covid-19 vaccinations, it’s important that we support and register our elderly community members. We’re calling on all our community members to help us as we continue the registration drive,” she said.

She added that it’s important for everyone to register for their vaccine.

“Remember you can register your parents, your elderly family members and neighbours who need support. We are not safe until everyone is vaccinated, so let’s unite to vaccinate the Western Cape. As we continue to fight the virus, I appeal to you to wear your masks, keep a distance from others, wash your hands regularly and stay home when you’re sick. Together, we can overcome this pandemic,” said Mbombo.


To register your elderly relative for the vaccine, at no cost, dial *134*832# from your phone. If you have internet access, send the word REGISTER to 060-012-3456 on WhatsApp or visit https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/ to register.

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