OVERBERG COVID-19 VACCINATION WEEKLY UPDATE 25 OCTOBER 2021

Since the start of the vaccine rollout in May 2021 the vaccination teams across the district has been able to vaccinate 153 549 people. While we are happy to see the progress we have made with the vaccination program we still have some way to go before are able to enjoy our summer.

The Department urges citizens not to delay taking the first vaccination to ensure they have enough time between doses to complete their vaccination by December. If you wish to fully vaccinate by Christmas, your first vaccine should be administered no later than this Wednesday 20 October.

The Health Department appeals to all citizens to prioritise vaccination especially people 50 years and older. According to the latest evidence to emerge from our epidemiology team, based on data gathered in the third wave, we are seeing the importance of over-50-year citizens taking up the Covid-19 vaccine as a matter of urgency. Our data shows that over a period of 12 weeks during the third wave, people aged 50 years and older made up 30% of cases, 60% of admissions, and 83% of deaths due to COVID-19.

According to Dr Cloete, HoD of Health Western Cape, the risk in 50+ age group is 7.5 times higher than the relative risk in 20-49 years. Even partial vaccination, with one dose of vaccine, lessens the risk of severe illness and full vaccination can reduce the risk 4.5 times. These figures illustrate clearly how the age category of 50+ is the single highest risk factor in the development of severe Covid-19 and death. Therefore, vaccination of the over 50-year-age group should be prioritized to save lives, and to protect the health system.

No-one needs to pre-register. Please don’t delay but visit your closest site.

Please visit our web page for the list of weekend and week sites or call 0860142142 for direction.

Save Your Summer. Vaccination is for you.

ENDS

For media queries contact:

Roché Butler
Communications Officer
Overberg District
Western Cape Government: Health

Tel: +27 28 214 5833
Cell: +27 68 074 2455
E-mail:  Roche.Butler@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za