Karl Bremer Hospital launches first vaccinations

iris Adams at Karl Bremer Hospital’s vaccination tent, where she became the hospital’s first nurse to receive the jab.

Iris Adams became Karl Bremer Hospital’s first nurse to receive the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccination jab on Tuesday February 23.

Karl Bremer joins Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and Khayelitsha hospitals in the roll-out of the vaccine.

“Health-care workers on the frontline form part of phase one of the rollout,” said provincial Department of Health spokeswoman Shimoney Regter.

“I feel good and I was excited. I decided to take the vaccine today because we have been waiting for it for so long and now it’s here,” said Sister Adams, who has been a nurse for more than 40 years.

Dr Sue le Roux encouraged all health-care workers to get vaccinated.

“I am beyond excited. I have dreamt of this day, and it’s finally here. I encourage all our health-care workers to step up and to take the vaccine. It’s the best thing we can do for ourselves and others. Get your shot!”

Hospital CEO Jonathan Lucas was also vaccinated. “This is an exciting opportunity for us to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and our co-workers. My message to our healthcare workers is, let’s all unite. The vaccine is safe and you can make the choice to make a difference.”

Health-care workers can register on the electronic vaccine data system (EVDS) at https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/ to get their jab.