A homeless man living at the Jewish Hall shelter said he believe’s that after his vaccination there will be better chances for him to get a job. The man who chose not to be named said he has been looking for a job everywhere and employers are asking for proof of vaccination before being considered for employment.
*Mthembu said: “I am glad that the Department of Health and eThekwini municipality brought the vaccine to us and we did not have to go stand in long queues at a clinic or a hospital,” he said. He said that the nurses also gave him instructions not to consume alcohol or gym for 48 hours after his vaccine and he will definitely follow the instructions so that he will not have side effects.
**Ngcobo also from the Jewish Hall site said his arm was hurting after his vaccination, however, the pain was bearable.
“Despite the negative information we have been hearing about the vaccine, I took the decision to get vaccinated. I do not want to get sick even though the vaccine is not a guarantee that I will not get the virus, one is better safe than sorry,” said Ngcobo.
Mthembu and Ngcobo were vaccinated as part of the kick off vaccination rollout for the homeless which was launched on Monday 23 August, after the national rollout for 18’s and over was opened on Friday, 20 August.
In a statement released by Ethekwini Municipality Msawakhe Mayisela said the homeless rollout forms part of governments programme to ensure that all citizens have access to vaccines. “At this stage, the programme will target those with ID documents and will be conducted at various sites. On 23 August the homeless living in the Strollers building site will be vaccinated, those at the Denis Hurley centre on 25 August and Block AK on Stamford Hill Road on 26 August.
“In addition the NMJ Community Hall on Hendry Road in Overport will operate as a drive through vaccination site this coming weekend and Moses Mabhida People’s Park from 8am to 4pm,” said Mayisela.
*Mthembu and **Ngcobo’s names have been changed as they wished to remain anonymous.
