11 Apr 2021

Government has, on Friday, launched COVID-19 vaccination for Greater Lobatse District Heath Management Team (GLDHMT), as roll out programme intensified across the country.

Speaking at the activation event at Woodhall Community Centre in Lobatse, GLDHMT coordinator, Dr Motlalepula Pone said elderly people aged 75 and above would get the vaccine first because they were the most vulnerable to COVID-19.

“The aim is to protect our elderly so that they do not get sick from COVID-19. We don’t want our services to be paralysed by this pandemic,” Dr Pone said.

She said vaccination would proceed to the rest of the population after the elderly had been assisted.

She, however, cautioned that the vaccine would not stop infections, hence people should continue abiding by all health protocols, which included social distancing, wearing masks and reducing unnecessary movements or visits, even after they had been vaccinated.

Lobatse constituency administrator, Mr Francis Mokwena, who was speaking on behalf of area MP, Dr Thapelo Matsheka, expressed gratitude to all those that made it possible for the vaccine rollout in the constituency. 

He assured the residents that the vaccine was safe and would not cause permanent side effects, hence people should not be scared of taking it.

Lobatse mayor, Mr Essop Pandor thanked government for availing the vaccine in Lobatse and therefore urged the elderly to take it in big numbers.

Some elderly, Ms Joyce Seleka and Mr Michael Segano were the first to get the jab in Lobatse.

Meanwhile, the vaccine would be administered at Woodhall and Peleng community centres as well as at Digawana and Molapowabojang villages. Ends