The Eastern Cape has moved a step closer towards achieving herd immunity as more than two million people have been fully vaccinated.
As of April 13, 3,5 million vaccines were administered to 2,4 million people with 2,003 million fully vaccinated.
This means 40% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated.
The milestone comes after a successful Vooma vaccination weekend.
Health MEC, Nomakhosazana Meth, has called on those who have yet to get vaccinated to get the jab.
“We are happy that 40% of the eligible population has been fully vaccinated. We urge the rest to roll up their sleeves and get the life-saving vaccine because we don’t want to leave anyone behind.”
“Being vaccinated is the best defence we have against severe illness or death, should we contract COVID-19.
“We will continue ramping up the vaccination campaign for us to reach as many people as possible so that we can achieve herd immunity.”
Meth also called on those who have been fully vaccinated to get their booster shots.
Women account for 60.64% of the fully vaccinated population while 39.36% men have been vaccinated.
Nelson Mandela Bay has had 428 953 people fully vaccinated with OR Tambo having 341 508.
Other districts’ fully vaccinated numbers are:
- Buffalo City Metro: 267 035;
- Amathole: 239 417;
- Chris Hani: 225 734;
- Alfred Nzo: 210 997;
- Sarah Baartman: 182 523; and
- Joe Gqabi: 106 947,
The provincial health department has urged people to continue adhering to the non-pharmaceutical interventions to stop the spread of the virus.
As of April 13, there were 680 active cases. The cumulative number of cases was 346 031 with 328 753 people having recovered while 16 598 have died since March 21, 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Eastern Cape.
“The state of disaster may have ended but COVID-19 is still among us. Every safety measure should be taken,” Meth concluded.
