MUST one have an SMS to be vaccinated? Health Department tells all

Right Mzansi…we know there has been some confusion about whether one needs an appointment SMS confirmation in order to get vaccinated….those over 60-years-old to be more specific. Some have shown up at vaccination sites without an SMS confirmation and have managed to get vaccinated. So the question remains, is it 100% necessary or not? 

The South African spoke to the National Health Department to clear up the matter so not to worry, we’ve got the answers you seek. 

DO YOU NEED AN SMS CONFIRMATION OR AN APPOINTMENT TO BE VACCINATED? 

National Health Department spokesperson Popo Maja told The South African that they do discourage walk-ins, HOWEVER, should one present themselves at a vaccination site without an appointment SMS, staff will check to see if they have been registered on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). 

If they have been registered on EVDS, they MAY be vaccinated there OR advised to go to a different vaccination site. 

“Colleagues at the site will use their judgement as informed by the stock they have,” said Maja. 

In other words, if you’re registered on the EVDS system but do not have a confirmation, you MAY still be vaccinated if you present yourself at a vaccination site but it does also depend on stock availability. 

UTTER CONFUSION PLAGUES THE PUBLIC  

It seems the confusion regarding a SMS for vaccinations has been plaguing the public. Twitter users aired their frustration and had the following to say; 

“I feel so bad when I have told people that they have to wait for the SMS and then they get reports that so and so went and got vaccinated without an SMS. Urgh!,” said one Twitter user. 

“I think the issue is with SMS tender. In Polokwane, thousands get vaccinated daily without receiving SMS’s. I registered my mom thrice, first with healthcare workers as a retired Prof Nurse, then Sisonke Trial & above 60 and never received SMS but got vaccinated last week,” said another. 

“I registered my elderly parents a while back. No SMS yet but I’m being told senior citizens are just arriving at public health facilities in Cape Town and get vaccinated without getting the notification. Please can you clarify the position?” asked another. 

Another Twitter user, completely infuriated, told the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department that people should not be allowed to be vaccinated without a SMS. 

“Why are you allowing people that have not received an SMS to get vaccinated? Causing chaos at sites. Clairwood hospital in Durban today an example. Easy to solve. Don’t allow people without an SMS!!! This is not rocket science!!!” he said. 

Please click here to register anyone above 60-years-old.

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