As the world continues its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, the vaccination roll-out for those aged 60 and over is well on the way.
On Monday, 17 May, elderly residents lined up at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital in anticipation of receiving the Covid-19 jab. Among those who took the shot was Rodger Latchman Singh, aged 69. “I am very happy to have finally received my first dose of the vaccine. Covid has really changed the world and part of my reason for taking the vaccine is that I have six grandchildren and I want to see them grow and celebrate their milestones with them,” he said. Speaking to the Newcastle Express, Singh said that the 24 hours after getting the jab went smoothly with no side-effects apart from a painful arm near the injection spot. “I monitored myself closely and did not experience any symptoms. I am looking forward to getting my second dose of the vaccine in three weeks’ time. I have already received my date to come back,” said Singh.
Newcastle’s first citizen, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, also received his Covid-19 jab on Tuesday, 18 May. In the peak of the coronavirus last year, Dr Mahlaba swapped his mayoral chain for his stethoscope when he volunteered at the local hospital to treat Covid-19 patients. It was during this time that he was diagnosed with Covid-19 and had to self-quarantine. Now, almost a year later, the mayor received his vaccine. Despite the ongoing myths about the vaccine and 5G networks, the mayor has encouraged the elderly and those who work in the medical field to get vaccinated. Dr Mahlaba says that mass immunisation will slow the spread of the virus and quicken the pace for establishment of a normal Coronavirus-free environment. Dr Mahlaba has also urged society to ignore untested rumours about the vaccine. “I believe that taking the vaccine will bring us closer towards building national immunity which is necessary for us to fight the pandemic and I encourage others to follow suite and ensure that they visit vaccination centres. As a medical doctor who has taken an oath, I am ready to go and serve my community once again,” said Dr Mahlaba. The mayor pleads with South Africans to continue taking extra precautionary measures by always wearing masks and sanitising.
