12 Jan 2022

People who have taken all the initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine should present for a booster shot as soon as it becomes available.

The booster is said to be necessary as the effectiveness of vaccines wanes with time.

When speaking during a kgotla meeting addressed by Member of Parliament for Mmadinare constituency Mr Molebatsi Molebatsi, an official from Greater Selibe Phikwe Regional Health Management Team Dr Kesegofetse Chabaesele, appealed to those who had taken all doses to take the booster shot, once it became available.

“Provided one has taken the last shot two months ago, such a person is eligible for the booster shot,” she explained.

Dr Chabaesele further said it was best to take the booster shot while one still had some strong immunity. Dr Chabaesele told the meeting that the greater Selebi-Phikwe RHMT was at work preparing to vaccinate children 12 years and older.

She explained Selebi-Phikwe RHMT was working together with the Ministry of Basic Education to devise a strategy for vaccinating learners in schools. On other Covid-19 related issues, Dr Chabaesele said 56 542 people – representing 64 percent of the region’s population - were fully vaccinated while 64 109 had received only first dose.

This figure, she said, showed the district was doing well.

Dr Chabaesele appealed to those who were not fully vaccinated to complete the shots and prepare for a booster shot after two months.

As of Tuesday, Greater Selebi-Phikwe recorded 111 new Covid-19 cases. Cumulatively the region has recorded 18 489 COVID-19 cases, with 115 deaths. Ends