Health Department: Vaccination appointments in areas affected by unrest will be rescheduled

The Department of Health said that South Africa’s national vaccination programme is continuing in most of the country’s provinces on Tuesday, 13 July, despite the ongoing protests. However, the unrest has impacted the vaccination rollout and disrupted access to “essential healthcare services.”

PATIENTS UNABLE TO ACCESS CHRONIC MEDICATION IN SOME PARTS OF GAUTENG AND KZN

The health department said the violent protests have prevented patients in some districts and areas in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng from access to essential healthcare services including the collection of chronic medication for tuberculosis (TB), HIV and Diabetes.

The vaccine rollout in these areas has also been affected.

EVDS TO AUTOMATICALLY RESCHEDULE VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS, SAYS HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Department said the government and private sector opted to close some vaccination sites – which may have been damaged or are at risk of – as a precautionary measure and to protect lives and prevent harm to staff, patients and medical property.

“Anyone who had been scheduled to be vaccinated at sites in districts or areas that are affected by the unrest are advised to defer their vaccination,” said National Health Department spokesperson, Popo Maja.

The Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) is meant to automatically reschedule up to two missed vaccination appointments, according to the department.

The public is encouraged to contact a vaccination site to determine whether it is operational if it is unclear whether an area has been affected by the protests. “The department will publicise a list of affected areas and sites as soon as it is available,” said Maja.

All people who are eligible for vaccination and have appointments scheduled in the affected areas are encouraged to call the COVID-19 Call Centre at 0800-029-999 or use the self-help channels – vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za; WhatsApp at 0600-123-56 or dialling *134*832 #

HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS AGAINST USING LOOTED MEDICATION

The department of health said it is aware that some pharmacies and medical centres were looted and had their stock stolen. It urged the public not to buy medicine from anyone other than registered medical practitioners, pharmacies or hospitals.

“Stolen or improperly dispensed medicines are extremely dangerous as they may not have been stored properly, may be contaminated, or may cause dangerous side effects,” said Maja.