Vaccination Rollout: What you need to know (info from EOHCB)

Dear EOHCB Member & Industry,

UPDATE ON PHASE 2 OF THE COUNTRY’S COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT

On Friday the 16th of April online registrations for Phase 2 of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout opened and the official phase 2 rollout has begun from the 17th of May.

Why do Vaccines Matter?

Scientific evidence indicates that vaccination is the best defence against serious infections. Vaccines do not give you the virus but teaches your immune system to recognise and fight the infection thereby reducing the risk of infection or the severity of symptoms.

Vaccines have reduced the morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases such as smallpox, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, measles, tetanus, whooping cough and pneumococcal conjugate across the world. Vaccinating enough people also creates herd immunity and prevents the spread of the disease.

Does anyone have to pay for the vaccine?

Individuals that do not have private health insurance will receive the vaccines for free and insured individuals will be covered by their medical aid. Therefore, even if you are a member of a health plan, you will not incur any administration costs.

Registration

South African citizens and registered foreign nationals are encouraged to use the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) to register, however those who do not have internet access will be allowed to register at the vaccination sites. Registration can be done on the government’s electronic vaccination data system (EVDS) found via https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za/#/.

To register online you will need:

• Access to internet

• ID or passport

• Place of work or residence

• Contact details

Registration for vaccination is currently open for those that are 60 years and older and those under the age will be invited to register at a future date. The Department of Health’s Dr Lesley Bamford said all people who register during this phase for elder citizens are guaranteed a vaccine.

Can anyone be forced to vaccinate?

At this stage there is no law which required persons to be vaccinated and the Minister of Health has indicated that the COVID-19 vaccine will not be obligatory.

South African employment legislation does not regulate when an employer may require an employee to undergo medical treatment. In terms of section 6 of the National Health Act 2003, health services may not be provided to a user without the user’s consent and consent should be informed, specific and voluntarily given. The Act does however make provision for exceptions where the failure to treat the individual will result in a serious risk to public health.

It is important to remember the Occupational Health and Safely Act 1993, requires an employer to provide and maintain a safe working environment both for its employees and other persons who have access to its premises such as its clients.

It is therefore recommended that employers educate employees on the vaccine and encourage them to be vaccinated, rather than making it a mandatory policy. Employers should carefully consider their vaccination policy within the workplace.

Do you need more assistance with business or labour related issues? The EOHCB is standing by to assist!

Contact your local consultant HERE