“Clients can now book an appointment at a date and time that is convenient for them for the first and second Pfzier dose.”
MEDICLINIC Gariep Hospital has launched its online booking portal for Covid-19 vaccinations, whereby appointments can be made at a suitable time.
Mediclinic Kimberley and Mediclinic Gariep patient experience manager Denise Coetzee said that they still accepted a limited number of walk-ins and clients allocated by the Department of Health’s Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS).
“The online booking system was introduced for people who may only have a certain time available in their day to vaccinate. Clients can now book an appointment at a date and time that is convenient for them for the first and second Pfizer dose. It is advisable to have the second dose administered as close to the date specified, after 42 days have passed,” said Coetzee.
She added that the walk-in queue moved relatively quickly. “We are seeing a lot of groups coming in and the Griqualand West rugby team came in on Monday to have their jabs. Over 10,000 people have been vaccinated at the hospital.”
The chief clinical officer of Mediclinic Southern Africa, Dr Gerrit de Villiers, said that an influx of requests for vaccinations have been received since those over the age of 18 years became eligible to be vaccinated.
“It is vitally important for all ages to get vaccinated, which is why we are trying to make it simpler and easier to get a vaccine. The community around our hospitals will no longer need to concern themselves about transport or unknown waiting times as our hospitals are conveniently located. Vaccinations have demonstrated that they dramatically reduce the risk of becoming severely ill from the virus, as well as reducing the risk of death,” said De Villiers.
After registering on the Department of Health’s EVDS system, an appointment can be made on the Mediclinic website.
Changes, including cancelling a booking, can be done on the online portal.
