Vaccinations: Where Are we Now?
After the multi-phased national rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations first began in February this year, there is some encouraging news for South Africans. As of the end of September 2021, more than 17.5 million citizens (that’s 32% of the country’s adult population) have received at least one dose of the vaccine, meaning they are at least partially protected against the worst effects of the virus.
SA Youth Driving Progress
The majority of vaccinations in South Africa were given in the past two months. Between February and the end of June 2021, South Africa administered approximately 3.2 million doses. However, in July alone, around 4.5 million doses were administered.
The daily vaccination rate has continued to improve in September. This is partly thanks to the increased number of doses arriving in the country and a willingness of the 18-34 age group to get the jab. When registration for this age group opened up on 20 August, more than half a million South Africans enrolled to get the vaccine in just one day.
20% of the country’s adult population is now fully vaccinated. During the last week reported, South Africa averaged about 150,051 doses administered each day. At that rate, it will take a further 79 days to administer enough doses for another 10% of the population.
SA Youth Driving Progress
The majority of vaccinations in South Africa were given in the past two months. Between February and the end of June 2021, South Africa administered approximately 3.2 million doses. However, in July alone, around 4.5 million doses were administered.
The daily vaccination rate has continued to improve in September. This is partly thanks to the increased number of doses arriving in the country and a willingness of the 18-34 age group to get the jab. When registration for this age group opened up on 20 August, more than half a million South Africans enrolled to get the vaccine in just one day.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the country’s youth for their efforts to get vaccinated and do their part to stop the spread of the virus. “The young people of our country are giving us all hope that an end to this time of hardship is within our sights” said Ramaphosa.
How Does SA Compare?
South Africa’s vaccination rate is high above the African continent’s average, but there is still much room for improvement.
In Morocco, as of September 19th, more than half of the country’s total population has been either partly or fully vaccinated. Tunisia also currently has a higher vaccination rate than South Africa, relative to the population sizes of the country.
Make Your Vaccination Appointment Today
If you still need to get vaccinated, you can register quickly and easily using the SA Coronavirus online portal.
- Anybody aged 18 or older can now get vaccinated.
- Registering online can speed up the process.
- You don’t need to wait for an SMS before going to get vaccinated – many sites are accepting walk-in appointments.
You can also visit the SA Coronavirus website to learn about the latest vaccine statistics or to find a vaccination site near you.