MZANSI is ready to move to Phase Two of the vaccine roll-out.
This was announced by Health Minister Zweli Mkhize yesterday, during a visit to vaccination sites ahead of the roll-out expected to start on 17 May.
Mkhize was accompanied by Gauteng Premier David Makhura and Health MEC, Nomathemba Mokgethi.
Charlotte Maxeke Hospital and the Salvation Army Old Age Home in Soweto were among the inspected vaccination sites.
Mkhize said 51 million doses of the vaccine have been procured.
He said 31 million doses have been secured from Johnson & Johnson, which is a one-dose vaccine, while 20 million doses were secured from Pfizer, which is a two-dose vaccine.
The minister said almost 2 million Johnson & Johnson doses will be received this month, 900 000 in May and 900 000 in June.
The elderly, essential workers and people with comorbidities, will be prioritised.
“We are excited that we are now almost out of the woods with the procurement of the Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. It is for this reason we are visiting provinces to assess the readiness of the roll-out,” said Mkhize.
- Makhura said the two dose-vaccine will strictly be used on people who can be easily traced for a follow-up dose. Meanwhile, Co-operative Governance MEC Lebogang Maile said they were on track with preparations for the vaccine roll-out. Maile joined other Gauteng MECs on Thursday to check the progress of vaccination sites in Atteridgeville, Saulsville and Olievenhoutbosch in Tshwane.
He said he was satisfied with the progress, but was not happy sites suggested a tent be put up when there are other facilities that can be used.
“The tents will cost money and these are things that cause scandals. The money meant for vaccines shouldn’t be redirected to other things,” he said.
He said some sites didn’t have generators and were told they’ll have a back-up plan in case of a power cut or load-shedding.
Maile called on those in charge of the sites to stick to the budget and not waste government money.
