11 Apr 2021

Residents of Kanye have been encouraged to take advantage of the COVID-19 vaccine  availed by government as a long term plan for combating the pandemic.

Speaking at the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine at Kanye Main Kgotla, District Health Management Team (DHMT), Regional coordinator, Ms Josephine Mosimanewakgosi  said although taking vaccine was a personal choice, it was advisable to vaccinate as that could  protect ones life and those of others.

Ms Mosimanewakgosi said the district had received an allocation of 2680 doses of Astrazeneca vaccine, and had completed the distribution, with Kanye and Moshupa receiving 2120 doses, 240 to Mabutsane and 320 given to Jwaneng.

Ms Mosimanewakgosi said the health and wellness ministry was  in Phase 1 of vaccinating the nation, starting with the elders aged 75 years and above, then further proceeding to assist those aged  55 and over.

“This vaccine is currently in short supply. We have a target of more than 1 000 elders who are over 75 years in the district, not all will be assisted this time around, but rest assured we will continue with others upon receiving other doses,” she said.

Ms Mosnimanewakgosi made an assurance of the efficacy of the vaccine, adding that such had gone through rigorous screening processes before it was approved and distributed.   

She advised those who  would experience some side effects after taking the vaccine to visit the nearest clinic  for assistance.

“Coronavirus has proven to be deadly, more especially to the elders. I wish to urge those that fall within this age bracket to take advantage of this facility,” she said. 

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Malope II of Bangwaketse encouraged the residents to take the vaccine so as to protect their lives and those of others.

He said receiving COVID-19 vaccination was one of the ways of curbing the spread of virus so to return to a normal way of living as well as reviving the country’s economic.

Although the vaccine was currently in short supply, Kgosi Malope II expressed optimism that the vaccine would  be sufficient to cater for the rest of nation. Ends