#LetsDoThis: Western Cape Government on track for efficient vaccine roll-out
During the last weekly digital press conference on 6 May, I outlined the Western Cape Government’s vaccine rollout plan, focusing on Phase 2. The Department of Health have made steady progress in planning to vaccinate 5 076 130 people in the Western Cape during Phase 2.
“Public & private sector vaccination plans ready”
I am pleased to announce that the District Operational Plans for public sector sites have been submitted and the Provincial Operational Plan for public sector sites was finalised by 30 April 2021.
In preparation for Phase 2, the Western Cape Government is working to align the various public and private entities. Going forward, district managers will convene as stewards to achieve the vaccination targets and collaborate to avoid duplication and wasted resources.
Depending on vaccine supply by National Department, the beginning of Phase 2 is scheduled to start on 17 May 2021 focusing on those over 60 years of age and will overlap with the mop-up of healthcare workers who have not been vaccinated as part of the Sisonke Programme.
In addition, we will transition from one age band to the next once a significant proportion of the target population in the current age band, approximately 70%, has been vaccinated.
“We plan to vaccinate 5 076 130 people in the Western Cape”
To ensure a prompt start to the vaccine programme in the Western Cape, Pfizer vaccines will be used for the remaining healthcare workers (Phase 1b) and for the start of Phase 2 (60 years or older). This programme will gain momentum by the end of May, as the Johnson and Johnson vaccines become available.
As a province, vaccine distribution will take place each month to ensure coverage of 5 076 130 people. By May, we anticipate the receipt of 260 000 of the single dose J&J vaccine and 135 600 of the two dose Pfizer to provide a total of 395 600 vaccines.
As we move forward, the supply pipeline for the Western Cape is based on four key import dates. Our first import date on 2 May will ensure that that there are 33 900 doses of Pfizer distributed to the Western Cape from 15 May to commence phase 1b and phase 2 vaccination on 17 May. The stock will be used for the balance of the healthcare workers and will also be used through a mobile or outreach service to old age homes.
The second import date of 9 May will see that there are 33 900 doses of Pfizer to be distributed to the WC from 21 May.
The third import date of 16 May will see the arrival of 33 900 doses of Pfizer and 260 000 doses of the released J&J vaccines to be distributed from 28 May.
Finally, by 25 May we will see the arrival of a fourth tranche of 33 900 doses of Pfizer doses that will be distributed from 5 June. This will mark the completion of import dates of vaccines in May.
“We will ensure that there is a consistent availability of vaccinators in the province”
The rollout of our vaccination strategy will be supported by our process of contracting vaccinators for Phase 2 of the vaccination programme. This process is aimed at ensuring the reliable and consistent availability of supplementary vaccinator capacity. Essentially there will be 5 sources for vaccinators for the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme:
- WCGH employees;
- Contractual appointments via short term contracts;
- NPO-assisted vaccination (primarily in the Metro);
- University students in the appropriate health related field of study; and
- Other categories, e.g. qualified fire fighters, etc.
As of 5 May 2021, the Western Cape Government’s Department of Health’s vaccinator database indicated that we have a total of 4935 vaccinators registered for training in the Western Cape, of which 2891 have already completed their training.
“60% of healthcare workers to be vaccinated by 15 May”
While we move towards Phase 2, it is important to note that Phase 1 is still underway. To date, 68 222 of the 90 840 doses for healthcare workers have been administered. It is anticipated that we will cover more than 60% of health care workers with the limited doses being received via the Sisonke Programme.
The Sisonke Programme resumed on 28 April 2021, following a 14-day pause while SAHPRA reviewed safety aspects related to the J&J vaccine. We are preparing to scale up vaccination during May to complete Phase 1.
The National Department of Health has indicated that due to the delay in receiving the J&J vaccines, the province will receive approximately 33 900 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to complete Phase 1 and commence with Phase 2. We aim to conclude the Sisonke Programme by 15 May 2021, with possible spill-over to the week of 17 May 2021.
“We need to fight back against Covid-19 so we can end this pandemic.”
The vaccination programme will only be a success if people register, and then get their vaccine when it is their turn. This is the only way that we will eventually build up herd immunity and finally defeat the virus.
The most important priority in the short term is getting all those residents 60 years old and older registered. This group is at high risk of severe Covid-19 illness and death, and the vaccine will save lives.
Registering for the vaccine is quick and easy. But please do help someone you might not be able to, or who doesn’t have access to the internet.
- You can register on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/
- You can also dial *134*832# on your phone to register. This is free on all South African networks.
- Lastly, you can Whatsapp the word ‘REGISTER’ to 0600 123456.
Covid-19 has caused so much loss over the last year. It’s time that we fight back by getting a safe, tested and effective vaccine.
The time has come. #LetsDoThis, Western Cape!
