Health Minister Joe Phaahla Calls on South Africans & Other Nationals to get Vaccinated

Health Minister Joe Phaahla says while getting the COVID-19  vaccine is voluntary, he has called on South Africans and other nationals living in the country to come forward and get vaccinated.

South Africa has administered over eighteen million vaccines,  which is 33,4% of the adult population and close to half of the 70% government is aiming for. 

Phaahla said more encouraging is that 70% of the more vulnerable groups the 60+ and 50-59 age group is within reach.  

“We have a window of opportunity while infection rates are low to protect ourselves before the expected fourth wave later this year. The vaccines have proven to be safe and effective. Very few vaccinated people are falling ill, ask the health care workers and the educators. “ 

At the same time  Phaahla also launched the first phase of South Africa’s digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate on Friday. 

Phaahla said the certificate was developed in collaboration with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

“It is a first phase because it is ready for use, but there’s going to be a lot more improvements going forward in the next two months to improve, especially on the safety and security of the certificate but it is ready for use,.” 

Phaahla said that the COVID-19 vaccine certificate would be a tool that would enable vaccinated people to access opportunities that service providers would be making available