COVID-19: Gauteng Health now allows walk-ins at ALL vaccine sites

The Gauteng Health Department has moved to now accept walk-ins at all of its vaccination cites. The news comes as the provinces continues grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic – being the epicentre of the third wave.

This now means that people aged 60 and above, do not necessarily need to register online to be administered the COVID-19 vaccine, however the provincial health department hasn’t exactly discouraged people from signing up in any case.

“The Gauteng Provincial Government is calling on all citizens that are 60 years and above, who are yet to vaccinate, to go to their nearest vaccination site to be vaccinated,” spokesperson Kwara Kekana.

“People who are registered and those not registered on the EVDS platform will be assisted when they visit the sites. They must just remember to bring their proof of identify visiting the site.”

Gauteng Health Department spokesperson, Kwara Kekana

In addition to recording massive spikes in COVID-19 cases, the Gauteng Health Department, like its other provincial counterparts, has been catching fire for the slow pace at which the vaccines were being administered.

More COVID-19 vaccine sites for Gauteng

Since Phase 2 of the vaccine roll-out was launched in mid-May 2021, nearly 2 million people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“The latest decision will ensure that many vulnerable citizens are served, and no person is to be turned away from vaccination sites. The Gauteng Provincial Government has increased the vaccination sites and these will be increased as more vaccines are available,” Kekana added.

“In addition to that, operating hours of the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) vaccination site have been extended to cover weekends.”

So far, there are a total of 129 vaccination sites in Gauteng (89 public and 40 private), after an additional 25 sites were added.

“Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 remains one of the best ways to protect ourselves and our loved ones. By vaccinating and adhering to the non-pharmaceutical interventions we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep the economy open.”