Health
With reference to the Premier’s announcement (weekly digicon, 9 September 2021) that the Western Cape has set a target of fully vaccinating residents 50 years and older against COVID-19, as well as providing at least one dose of the vaccination to 70% of residents between 18 and 49 years of age, by December 2021:
1. (a) What progress has been made in this regard and (b)(i) what are the regions with the greatest identified levels of vaccine hesitancy and (ii) how is this being addressed proactively;
2. whether community leaders and gatekeepers are being approached to encourage residents to obtain vaccines; if so, what are the relevant details;
3. whether mobile vaccination sites will operate near voting stations during the upcoming local-government elections; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. (a)(i) how are the “boots-on-the-ground drives” determined and (ii) what resources are utilised for these drives, (b) what are the latest details of the Cipla Foundation partnership to deploy vaccination stations in various communities and (c)(i) what plans are in place to increase door-to-door registration campaigns and (ii) how are these determined?
1. (a) According to the slides of the Premier’s Digicon on Thursday 7 October, a total of 60% of the age group 60+ has been fully vaccinated, 45% of 50=59 years and an overall total of 52% of age group 50+ and a provincial overall rate (general eligible population) of 44% vaccinations (Digicon Slides)
(b)(i) The lowest uptake of vaccines are in Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha and Central Karoo.
(ii) Vaccine uptake is encouraged in all provincial and local communication through a combination of information sharing, stressing the easy and good access to vaccines and encouraging messages, calling citizens to take up vaccines.
The Vooma Weekend (1 – 3 October) acted as a kick-start for a renewed effort to ensure that citizens understand the urgency of vaccination to ensure a good and safe festive season, as well as the relative urgency regarding 50+ age group.
There is a constant sharing of up-to-date information, stats, graphics and encouragement to ensure citizens have the latest information available.
Leading up to the festive season, there will be an ongoing focus on the uptake of mass sites and weekend sites, as well as a concerted effort to reach people closer to their homes. Particularly in areas where access (and transport) is an issue, there are transport-related plans to ferry citizens to vaccination sites, and ensure outreaches to clients closer to their homes.
2. As part of social mobilisation and community engagement a variety of community leaders and figures of influence are being approached to ensure co-operation. This includes members of the faith-based community, traditional healers, members of labour organisations, the education sector and many others. Together as a whole of society we are working together to encourage our communities to take up vaccination. There is a provincial Steering Committee, where various sectors, departments and groups are represented. Work conducted in various social mobilisation groups includes material development, translation, training of ambassadors and support for on-the-ground teams.
3. (a)Various district-based teams are making resources available to support vaccination. This takes the form of staff, promotions, activations and door-to-door activities to support both facility-based and pop-up vaccination sites.
(b) what are the latest details of the Cipla Foundation partnership (Metro Health) to deploy vaccination stations in various communities and
(c)(i) Door to door activities are part of the “Boots on the Ground” drive, which does not only involve registration but also other activities. Registration is also offered at all vaccination sites, where clients are assisted to do online registration.
(ii) (part of BoG) – registration at all clinics. Boots on the Ground plans part of local District teams planning. All our district teams employ innovative ways to improve both numbers and reach of vaccinations. Through outreach to vulnerable groups (eg. bedridden clients, the homeless, old age homes, etc.) they ensure that vulnerable clients are also reached.
