DRIVE-THRU THRILL Thousands turn up for pilot vaccine
Project
Coordinator of Greater Gaborone District Health Management Team (DHMT) Kgomotso Moruisi says they might end the pilot project of the drive-thru Covid-19 vaccination campaign earlier than expected.
The intention was to run the campaign for a period of four days, 12th to 15th October 2021 but they are likely to end it today Wednesday.
This is because Batswana turned up in large numbers at the University of Botswana for the Johnson and Johnson jabs yesterday.
The intention was to vaccinate at least 1 000 people on Day One but by lunchtime yesterday, over 1 000 people had already been vaccinated and still coming. By 1400hrs, health officials were no longer admitting cars, wanting to deal with and help those already at the site.
“The turnout was quite impressive, I believe the drive-thru is exciting to this current group being vaccinated. They are getting jabs from the comfort of their cars,” said Moruisi, noting that this was one of the reasons why they introduced the drive-thru vaccination.
They are trying to find ways of ensuring that all have access to the vaccine, she said, adding that they were impressed by progress made so far, saying they have managed to vaccinate around 90 000 people in the area but still counting, as records are still being entered into the system, meaning numbers could be more.
She explained crowds have reduced significantly at vaccination sites because they have opened more sites.
They now have a total of 44 sites but will be introducing another site at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks, taking the total number to 45.
“Private hospitals are also helping so we believe that all is on track as far as vaccination is concerned.”
Moruisi explained that members of the community should not be alarmed to find that some private clinics demand a small fee for services offered. “It is an agreement we made with them and Business Botswana, the charge will not be anything more than P60. You will not be paying for the vaccine but for their services and things like swabs,” she said.