Register for COVID-19 vaccine

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has urged the elderly to sign up for their Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine.

South Africans do not need airtime, data or money to use the zero-rated services to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).

There are five ways to register on the EVDS:

• Online at vaccine.enroll.gov.za.
• Using the WhatsApp line: 0600 123456.
• Via SMS by dialling *134*832#.
• Calling the COVID-19 hotline: 0800 029 999.
• Using the new QR code, by simply scanning and following the prompts.

Minister Mkhize said the national Department of Health, provincial department and Government Communication and Information System teams are conducting registration drives. 

“We recommend that as many people as possible register beforehand,” Minister Mkhize said, noting that vaccination centres are currently not allowing walk-ins.

“However, going forward, we will be able to do so. The programme has been designed to avoid long queues. This is why it is important that as many people as possible register beforehand, and follow the instructions which they receive by SMS.”

Old-age homes

Citizens living in old-age homes will not receive an SMS because the vaccines will be brought to them.

“They will be registered and vaccinated at their old-age homes.”

The Minister added that if you miss your vaccine appointment for any reason, you can reschedule and will be given another date and time to be vaccinated.

However, he warned that if a person misses three appointments, their appointment will not be rescheduled.

“However, you will still be on the system, and can ask to be scheduled again by phoning the COVID-19 hotline or visiting a registration site.”

COVID-19 vaccines are free at the point of vaccination. The costs of the vaccine are covered from public funds for uninsured people and medical aids for those who are insured, as part of prescribed minimum benefits.  
 
– SAnews.gov.za