Government has officially launched the Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine online registration for the public – as the Department of Health gears up for phase two of the country’s vaccine rollout. 
Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, invited all citizens aged 60 years and above to register for vaccination on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).
“This launch marks a significant milestone not only for our vaccination campaign but for South Africa’s advancement towards Universal Health Coverage,” said the Minister.
One digital system
He explained that this was the first time in democratic history that a major public health campaign will be supported by one digital system for all South Africans.
“The President, myself, hundreds of thousands of healthcare workers and now you, the citizens of South Africa, have or will access the vaccines through the same process, by using this system.”
He said there will be no distinction between private and state healthcare users, except that private healthcare users will need to share their medical aid details.
“The quality of services will be the same for all of us and the system will assign a vaccination site closest to our homes or where we work and not based on whether a particular site is a public or private facility.”
Citizens must have their ID number, medical aid number, if they have one, and ensure they put in the correct cellphone number and residential address.
Registration on the EVDS does not guarantee that you will be vaccinated immediately.
“We will use the information you provide when you register to communicate with you about the vaccination programme when necessary,” explained the Minister.
Internet connection
Minister Mkhize said teams be sent to help vulnerable citizens who do not have access to technology. Various companies have donated smartphones and fuel to assist with this process.
Help will be provided to the elderly, homeless and those who live in the deep rural areas that are difficult to reach.
“We will ensure that these team members are easy to identify and that you can verify that they are indeed accredited outreach team
members.”
They will also be trained to educate and raise awareness about vaccination in the community.
Government will announce a WhatsApp service soon to assist in this process.
“If you are unable to register by these methods, you may simply go to the nearest vaccination centre and we will register you on the spot. If you are 60 years or above, we will also vaccinate you at the same time," said the Minister.
This is because government wants to prioritise those who are most at risk of getting sick or dying of COVID-19.
He urged those who are technological savvy to assist senior citizens.
“Please help your mother, your father, your grandmother, your grandfather or your friend who is 60 years or older to register so they can get vaccinated,” said Minister Mkhize. - SAnews.gov.za
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