Essential workers, Mayor use Mandela University’s Vaccination Centre

23/07/2021

Nelson Mandela University’s Vaccination Centre in Gqeberha was swamped in more ways than one today. Not only did University staff have to contend with heavy showers, but also additional “guests” as dozens of essential workers and Nelson Mandela Bay’s Mayor Nqaba Bhanga arrived on the University’s North Campus site to join the national quest for immunization against COVID-19.

The essential workers from Metro Police, the Fire Service and Traffic Department were referred by the Metro to the University’s public site for the J&J jab.

University staff also welcomed Mr Bhanga, a former student and SRC President of the institution, along with 178 staff, students and members of the public who braved the wind, cold and rain to receive either the one-shot J&J vaccine, or the second follow-up Pfizer shot.

All told, Mandela University has vaccinated 4813 people at its two sites, one for staff and the public, and the other dedicated to its students, who are presently registered on the national Electronic Vaccination Data System to receive the vaccine.

The University’s own professional nursing staff having been providing the life-saving service since June 14, starting with the over 60s, followed by the over 50s and presently the 35 to 49-age group.

Operating from 9am to 2pm from Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9am to 12pm on Fridays, the University is consistently adapting its processes to provide a smooth, COVID-19 compliant vaccination journey.  This includes a system to counter inclement weather, in which it ensures that members of the public remain in their cars until they can be accommodated under cover before receiving their jabs.