Stellenbosch University (SU) students are heeding the call to vaccinate, following the recent announcement of the extension of the COVID-19 vaccination programme to persons 18 years and older.
More than 300 students have already turned up at the COVID-19 vaccination site at SU's Lentelus soccer clubhouse in Hammanshand Road, Stellenbosch. On Friday (20 August 2021), the first day of vaccination for persons older than 18 years, 106 students made use of the walk-in opportunity offered at the vaccination site. On Monday, 23 August, 244 students and on Tuesday, 24 August, another 206 students were vaccinated at the site.
The vaccination programme, driven by SU's Campus Health Service, commenced on 10 August by administering Pfizer vaccines to eligible staff members aged 35 years and older.
Currently, students 18 years and older are entitled to be vaccinated and are using the vaccination services offered at walk-in sites at Lentelus between 11:00–14:30 (Monday–Friday) or at the Van der Stel sports ground between 11:00–14h00 (Monday–Friday).
The site is also open to members of the public.
SU's Corporate Communication and Marketing Division spoke to some of the students who received their jabs at the vaccination site.
Supporting the safety of the vaccine, Jhade Bredenkamp, an MSc Physiological Science student, encouraged those who think the vaccines are not safe to seek accurate information.
Caleb Cousins, a fourth-year Electronic Engineering student, also received his vaccine on Monday. “I am excited about the vaccination. It is the best option to protect yourself."
Two other jabbed students, Rochelle van Heerden and Jamie Llewellyn Lamprecht encouraged their peers to be responsible and get vaccinated and to make use of the easily accessible vaccination service that is available to the SU community. Many students said they were excited about the vaccine and were not deterred by having to wait in line for their opportunity to get jabbed.
Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, who also received his vaccine at the site last month, was encouraged by the turnout at the vaccination site.
“Seeing photos of the long queue outside Stellenbosch University's (SU) own vaccination site at the Lentelus soccer clubhouse has made me extremely proud of our students and staff members who have decided to be part of the solution. Like I've said before: 'No jab, no jol!'"
De Villiers also urged the SU community to vaccinate.
“For those who are hesitant, I want to reassure you: The COVID-19 vaccine, whether you receive the Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson dose, is completely safe. It has been tested, approved by medical authorities and – most significantly – it is saving lives.
“That's what vaccines are designed to do and have been doing for decades across the globe. Vaccines helped eradicate smallpox and prevent diseases like polio and TB from causing severe illness and death. And now it is doing the same for COVID-19."
Dr Pierre Viviers, Senior Director of the Campus Health Service, also urged eligible persons to use the site. “Vaccines are the quickest way to achieve herd immunity to limit the spread of the virus and mitigate the disaster it has caused," said Viviers.
- Click here to read more about the SU vaccination programme.
- Click here for more information on vaccination sites closer to your home.
For more information, visit www.sacoronavirus.co.za/active-vaccination-sites
Photographer: Stefan Els
