Low number of fully vaccinated a worry

THE Department of Health has expressed concern over the number of people who have been fully vaccinated in the province. Dr Sandile Tshabalala, KZN’S head of department, said only about 767 000 people have been fully vaccinated.

“We are not happy about the number. Though about 2 641 000 have been vaccinated, only about 767 000 have been fully vaccinated,” he said.

It was planned to vaccinate 7.2 million people by March next year to achieve herd immunity.

Dr Velile Ngidi, public health medicine registrar, said the low turnout of people at vaccination sites may be attributed to fake news that people read on social media. However, seven out of 10 people in the country were happy to be vaccinated.

“We also have about 10-15% of people still unsure whether or not to vaccinate. Another 10% is still dead against vaccinating,’’ said Ngidi.

The 10 million people who had been vaccinated nationwide should encourage others to vaccinate by stopping the spread of misinformation about the vaccines being a death sentence, she said. “Despite the fact that even those who have vaccinated can still get and spread the Covid-19 virus, vaccination is lessening the chances of being hospitalised and dying from the virus.”

“The A Health Products Regulatory Authority has been investigating, assuring us the reported deaths were not the result of the Covid vaccines.”

Tshabalala said the province might soon be out of the third wave. A drive-through vaccination campaign has been successful in the King Cetshwayo district. “We targeted those who got off work late so they did not have to even get out of their cars to get the jab,” said Penny Msimango, acting deputy director-general for specialised services and clinical support services.