What you need to know to register

Medical aid will pay state directly for jab

The first step of the registration process is to complete an enrolment form, which must include basic personal details such as your names, date of birth, e-mail address and cellphone number.

“You must have your ID and medical aid card, if you have one, when you register. It is important that you put the correct cellphone number, the address where you live and the correct medical aid number, if you have one,” said health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize when he launched the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) last week.

According to EVDS information, the medical aid will pay the government directly for the vaccine.

“This will not influence your day-to-day savings or another benefit. You will not be required to pay for this vaccine and no co-payment/levy will be required,” the site explains.

“Once you are deemed eligible for a vaccine, the department will send out an SMS after 24 hours with all the information needed to proceed. The SMS will come with a unique vaccination code, which must be used to verify your appointment during the next phase.

“If you entered your medical aid details, you will have to produce your medical aid card as proof before getting vaccinated.”

There will also be an on-site registration. An exception will also be made at vaccination sites for those who couldn’t access the electronic system, said Mkhize. He said those unable to self-register can visit walkin centres and vaccination sites.”