COVID-19 is not gone!

COVID-19 is not gone!

The highly contagious omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 is leading to increased COVID-19 infections across the world.

Fortunately, as of Monday 30 January, everyone in South Africa 18 years and older can now get an additional COVID-19 vaccination dose, or booster, if it has been longer than 180 days since their previous dose.

The reason we need to get the booster Immunity (whether from previous infection or vaccination) decreases over time and a booster helps to increase antibodies up to 10 times.

Vaccination remains the best defense against serious illness and death from COVID-19. The coronavirus has also continued to evolve over time.

Coming forward for a booster vaccination is a good idea for young and old, particularly as COVID-19 is still going around.

“The Western Cape welcomes the additional COVID-19 booster to help eligible residents ‘level up’ their immunity. We have implemented several strategies to make boosters more accessible at public vaccination sites, mobile outreaches in public spaces, and the Vaxi Taxi. Without a large uptake of boosters in the province, COVID-19 infection rates could surge again. Coming forward for a booster vaccination is a good idea, and the best way for to reduce infections and hospital admissions ahead of the winter season.”

For the latest vaccination sites near you, visit www.findmyjab.co.za or Western Cape Government Health on Facebook.

The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is appealing to all donors to donate blood as blood stocks are critically low. “We always aim to have a blood stock level of 5 days. Currently, there is a critical shortage in the O-negative blood group, with only a 2 day supply left. The A-positive blood stock is also declining as we only have a 3 day supply left”, says Marike Gevers, Public Relations Manager at WCBS. The need for blood and blood products increases annually, and to meet the province’s demand, WCBS need to ensure that collection targets are met. Each day the blood service needs to collect 700 units of blood. “Ideally, we want 1 - 2% of the Western Cape’s population to become active blood donors. An active blood donor is classified as someone who donates blood once a year, even though you can donate 6 times a year. At the moment, only 0.92% of the population are active blood donors, yet 75% of the population will still require blood or blood products in their lifetime,” says Gevers. If you’re between ages of 16 and 75, weigh 50kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Blood donation only takes 30 minutes of your time and you can donate blood every 56 days. It is never too late to donate blood. Gevers also encourage donors that haven’t donated blood in a while to find their closest blood donation clinic and to continue their lifesaving journey. For more information, call WCBS on (021) 507-6300, e-mail: info@wcbs.org.za or visit www.wcbs.org.za. Blood stock updates and interesting facts about donation can be found on Facebook ( @TheWCBS ), Twitter ( @The_WCBS ) and Instagram (@thewcbs) accounts. Download the WCBS app, which is available on all iOS and Android devices. It will show you the nearest clinic, the current blood stock levels in real time, and your blood type if you’re a blood donor of course.

You’re just my type. Do something remarkable, donate blood.