Front-line health-care workers in the southern suburbs have been lining up for their Covid-19 vaccinations.
Louise Appolis was part of the first group to get the jab at Groote Schuur Hospital – one of three central vaccination sites – on Friday February 19.
A registered nurse, Ms Appolis is the primary health-care manager for the provincial Department of Health’s southern and western substructure, and she spends most of her time visiting and overseeing the running of facilities.
A close colleague had died of Covid-19 in early 2020, she said. “Three months later, I lost my brother-in-law due to Covid-19, my pillar of support, a healthy man, and this after my father passed away before the pandemic. So many losses at the facilities that I manage… it’s really hitting home now. As a team, we have learnt how to manage, and then the vaccine came. I believe we are covered in prayer and this vaccine will make a difference.”
Retreat day hospital nurse Charmaine Adams believes the vaccine saves lives and will prevent her from getting very sick.
“’By taking the vaccine we are all contributing to one another’s safety,” she said.
Nurse Shamielah Simons, the first health-care worker from the Lotus River clinic to get the vaccine, said she felt overwhelmed and was happy to be vaccinated.
Cancer survivor Dr Zahraa Saban, from Grassy Park day hospital, said she wanted to get the vaccine so she could safely examine her patients again.
“I am excited because we finally have a vaccine that will help us decrease the high rate of death caused by the Covid-19 virus. The vaccine offers us, as health-care workers, a chance to do more than just provide oxygen and supportive care to our country and the global population.
’’I asked questions regarding any uncertainties I had and finally I put my trust in my creator to guide me to make the best decisions for myself and my family,“ she said.
She said it was important to inform themselves about the Covid-19 vaccine. “You will only take the vaccine when you are correctly informed,” she said. “So ask the relevant professionals, ask the relevant questions. Be a part of the solution.”
