Vaccination sites: What you need to know

The North-West University (NWU) is preparing for another round of vaccinations on all three of its campuses on 4 and 5 September. 

The university has been administering covid-19 vaccinations to students and members of the public who fall into the 18 to 34 age group since 20 August. An estimated 2500 people in this age group were vaccinated on the Mahikeng and Potchefstroom campuses during the first vaccination weekend.

Kgalalelo Tsubane (21), a third-year student, visited the Potchefstroom vaccination site on 29 August and confirmed that the queues moved quickly and smoothly. 

Sarah Chauke (20) a third-year biological sciences student said, “The registration process was quick and everyone at the site was kind. I felt very comfortable and I loved the fact that the nurses were able to tell me everything I needed to know.” 

According to Prof Awie Kotzè, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and professor of pharmaceutics at the NWU, the university’s first priority is to vaccinate the NWU staff and students, however, members of the public will also be given a chance to vaccinate depending on the site’s capacity.

According to a recent communication update from the NWU, the Vanderbiljpark campus, which was not previously a vaccination site,  is now open to vaccinate but has a limited capacity as compared to the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campus.

It will therefore only administer vaccinations to NWU staff, and students who reside on campus, on 4 and 5 September. Students who reside off-campus will only be permitted to vaccinate on the 11 and 12  September 2021 at the campus site, the Old Admin building (Building 24). On both occasions, the site will be open from 8:00-16:00. 

The Potchefstroom vaccination site is on the campus at the  Dampad Dining Hall behind Veritas men’s residence. Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available to those who need a first jab and people who have to get their second Pfizer vaccinations can also join the queue on 4-5 September from 08:00 to 16:00.

The Mahikeng vaccination site is in the Great Hall and will also be open for Johnson and Johnson vaccinations from 8:00 to 16:00 on 4 and 5 September. 

NWU members and members of the public can register to receive their vaccination on the National Department of Health Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS). Individuals who struggle to register will be assisted by someone at the NWU vaccination site. 

Thereafter, further communication will be sent via SMS regarding the next steps. In a another communication update addressed to the NWU, Prof Dan Kgwadi, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU said “I urge you to register on the EVDS to avoid any additional administrative processes at the vaccination site(s).”

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone in South Africa. Despite this, individuals are asked to bring their identity documents (ID) or passports. 

Individuals who belong to a medical aid are also urged to come with their medical aid information. 

“If you have a medical aid you can bring your medical aid card along because all medical aids have pledged to assist with funding the national government vaccine program. No funds will be deducted from your medical savings account,” Kotzè explained.

Inè Rademeyer (21), a third-year nursing student and volunteer vaccinator, described her volunteering experience at the Potchefstroom vaccine site as fun and the service delivery as really good.

She said, “It has been really fun working with our lecturers at the vaccination site and seeing them in their element. Everything is labeled or marked correctly so that you know where to go and what to do next and the stations are set up in a way that ensures you are able to feel comfortable.”

In terms of waiting time, Kotzè said “Our sites are developed in such a way that there is a constant flow between the different processes and rows never stand still at one place.” – Kamohelo Mollo, Khanyisile Mahlangu, Suzen Phiri and Keitumetse Makgala