Photo: Twitter / @WCHEMS
Vaxi Taxi: Western Cape EMS takes vaccine to communities
‘The aim of the EMS Vaxi Taxi is to serve communities and ensure that it reaches as many individuals as possible, whether it be at their workplaces and educational institutions, meeting people where they are.’
Photo: Twitter / @WCHEMS
Vaxi Taxi is a mobile vaccination initiative of the Western Cape Government Health’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS), which seeks to combat societal disparities and enable greater access to vaccination.
Since the pop-up vaccination campaign kicked off on 4 September, more than 1000 vaccines have been administered in underserved communities across the province.
EMS VAXI TAXI HOPES TO OFFER VACCINE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE
The EMS Vaxi Taxi program started when volunteers and EMS workers started administering COVID-19 vaccines at community soup kitchens and markets while also conducting home visits in certain communities.
Each Vaxi Taxi mobile site consists of two ambulances – used for primary vaccination or secondary vaccination and resuscitation – an equipped gazebo covered with a tarpaulin, which is used as an observation area, and an admin area for registrations and paperwork.
In October, the Vaxi Taxi team partnered with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and began vaccinating matriculants at schools.
“Many matriculants have not been vaccinated yet and bridging the gap has become a priority to the team since the matric exams are fast approaching.
“Corporates have also partnered with EMS to ensure that employees are provided with the opportunity to receive their vaccinations,” said EMS spokesperson Deanna February.
The Western Cape government said vaccine preparation and cold chain restrictions are strictly adhered to.
The following, vaccination precautions and mandatory processes are followed:
- Cold Chain – vaccines are drawn up and kept in cool boxes
- Proper storage is provided
- Temperature control and monitoring
- Meticulous administration with vaccine preparation
- Record keeping
We have been working with our community partners to identify locations to offer the COVID-19 vaccines in and our goal is to reach every corner of the Western Cape.,” said EMS Vaxi Taxi Project Leader, Wayne Philander.
“The aim of the EMS Vaxi Taxi is to serve communities and ensure that it reaches as many individuals as possible, whether it be at their workplaces and educational institutions, meeting people where they are.”
