Below is a communication sent out by B4SA regarding the COVID-19 vaccination of individuals over 50 years of age.

Dear B4SA and business colleagues,

We are pleased that the Department of Health (DOH) is now directing and permitting more uninsured people to be vaccinated at the growing number of private sector sites. The result is that we will use the increased supply of vaccines more effectively and rapidly increase the number of people protected. The vaccination programme is now also gathering steam, with up to 100,000 people a day being vaccinated this week.

The opening of registrations for people 50 and above from 1 July and their vaccinations commencing from 15 July is also welcome news.

B4SA asks all over 50s to register as soon as they are able, and for everyone to help the over 50s they know to register.

Registration is necessary for people to be vaccinated as it helps the DOH allocate resources, manage the stock of vaccines and remind people of their second jab.

We continue to ask for your support and co-operation.  Here is the link to register.

With the third wave upon us, and hospitals nearing capacity, we also need every person to continue to wear masks, sanitise, and maintain social distancing.

Stay safe—register and help others do the same.

Martin Kingston, Chairman, B4SA Steering Committee

Breaking News: Vaccines for people over 50 years and above

B4SA welcomes the utilisation of private capacity to vaccinate uninsured people, the recent rapid increase in vaccinations, and the opening of EVDS registrations to over 50s.

• B4SA will continue to support the government to expand approved vaccination sites for the public and workers.
• B4SA is pleased more uninsured people will be vaccinated, using increasing private capacity.
• B4SA notes that the ramp-up of capacity is dependent on delivery from vaccine manufacturers.
• We appeal to the public to maintain masking, social distancing and sanitising.

Business for South Africa (B4SA) welcomes the Electronic Vaccination Data Systems (EVDS) opening for people over 50 to register from 1 July and be vaccinated from 15 July.

Martin Kingston, chairman of the B4SA steering committee, says, “We are also very pleased the Department of Health has agreed that the country will increasingly take advantage of the growing number of private-sector sites by directing and permitting uninsured people to be vaccinated there. This means that as a country, we will use the increased supply of vaccines more effectively and rapidly increase the number of people protected.”

However, South Africa remains in a periodically vaccine-constrained environment and is dependent on delivery by the manufacturers. “We welcome the arrival of short-dated J&J stock now used for educators and other workers,” says Kingston, “but caution that vaccine supply remains unpredictable and periodically constrained. We will soon start to use Pfizer stock for people’s second doses, which will increase demand on our stocks.”

Read the full statement on the B4SA website.