COVID-19

TALKING POINTS

Together we can beat COVID-19.

 Together, through our actions we have kept new infections relatively low,
despite the menace of the fourth wave.
 All provinces have reached the peak of the COVID-19 fourth wave and
infection rates are now on a decline.
 There was a 27% reduction in new cases, compared to seven days before.
 We cannot however be fooled by the declining rate of infection and let our
guard down, COVID-19 is real and continues to claim lives!
 Let us continue in our determination to fight and overcome the COVID-19
virus.

Our best defence against the virus remains choosing vaccination.

 Vaccination is our best defence against new COVID-19 and all its variants.
The more we vaccinate the safer we will be.
 Experience during the fourth wave has shown that vaccination is effective
against serious illness and death.
 82% of hospital admissions during the fourth wave were in unvaccinated
individuals and similarly 82% of deaths occurred in unvaccinated individuals.
 By vaccinating, we not only reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation
and death, but also reduce the risk of future deadly variants.

Get vaccinated today!

 Together we have ensured that nearly 28,7 million vaccine doses have been
administered.
 Take the decision today to be part of the already 18,4 million individuals in our
country who have received the vaccine jab.
 45,5% of adults over 18 years have received at least one jab and those who
are fully vaccinated now stands just under 16 million individuals.
 Vaccination is easy, safe and free! Go to your nearest vaccination centre
today and vaccinate.
 There are enough vaccines in the country, you only need to present yourself
to a vaccination site near you for your first jab.
 To locate a vaccination site near you, click on
https://sacoronavirus.co.za/active-vaccination-sites/
Taking the booster shot improves your protection from infection

 Government encourages those who are fully vaccinated to go for a booster

shot.
 Laboratory testing has shown that booster shots increase antibody levels
which are more effective at neutralising the COVID-19 variants.
 The booster shot for the Pfizer vaccine can be taken six months after the
administration of the second dose.
 The booster shot for J&J can be taken 2 months after primary vaccination.
 Children aged 12-17 can get the 2nd Pfizer dose 42 days after the first dose.