Vaccine Clicks Dis-Chem

Image via: blueroutemall.co.za

Clicks and Dis-Chem ready to roll out COVID-19 vaccine

Two well-known pharmacies in South Africa – Clicks and Dis-Chem – have agreed to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to customers.

Vaccine Clicks Dis-Chem

Image via: blueroutemall.co.za

Earlier this week, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that South Africa would be receiving its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines in January and another again in February 2021. Following the news, Clicks and Dis-Chem — two well-known pharmacies — have agreed to offer the vaccine to its customers. 

CLICKS ON BOARD WITH DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES 

Clicks Chief Commercial Officer Rachel Wrigglesworth told The South African on Friday that its network, which includes dispensaries and clinics and pharmaceutical distribution centres, would be ready to immediately distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccines. 

“We have nurses and pharmacists in stores poised to support the implementation and we have cold chain storage and cold chain distribution capability. We are in discussions with the relevant parties, but we are not in a position to comment further until there is clarity on how the programme will work,” said Wrigglesworth. 

DIS-CHEM ALSO LOOKING TO OFFER THE JAB 

Dis-Chem National Clinic Manager Lizeth Kruger reportedly told Reuters that the pharmacy, with more than 180 stores, would offer the vaccines at all its clinics nationwide. She reportedly also said that they are looking to offer them at eight drive-through COVID-19 testing stations. 

“We will assist and put our hand up,” Kruger said, adding that Dis-Chem will be involved from the second phase of the rollout, which includes vaccinating essential workers like teachers and people over 60-years-old.

SA’S HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO RECEIVE FIRST BATCH OF VACCINE

Mkhize said South Africa will be receiving one million doses in January 2021 and 500 000 doses in February from the Serum Institute of India (SII).

The health department further estimated that we have 1.25 million health care workers both from public and private sectors that need to be prioritised.

Mkhize added that the acquisition has been done directly by the Department of Health, which ultimately strengthens the credibility of the process as all the negotiations and payment issues are managed directly by government with the manufacturer.

“We urge the public to be patient with us as we continue to engage manufacturers. Our commitment remains to save and protect the lives of our people. We will not neglect our responsibility to protect lives and also fight this pandemic. We, therefore, call on all South Africans, members of the public, political parties, business, labour, NGOs and community leaders and members to work with us as we start this historic process,” he added.