2021-07-19

A year later, and we're in the midst of a third wave and increasing COVID-19 cases where the totals and numbers reported in the past have very quickly changed from just being mere numbers to actual names of people near and dear to us.

COVID-19 has had an impact on nearly every aspect of our lives; whether it be healthcare-related, the loss of a loved one, socio economic, or simply the volume of change that this global pandemic has brought upon us.

With the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the expansion to include those who are 35-49 years old; many are asking the question of when they can expect to return to a pre-COVID normal. While every effort is being made to ensure that the country reaches *herd immunity as soon as possible, this is dependent on all those in South Africa getting vaccinated.

There is a lot of false information being spread about the vaccine and we urge all members to obtain their information from credible sources, such as our COVID-19 Hub by visiting www.bonitas.co.za\covid and the SA Coronavirus web page at https://sacoronavirus.co.za/, before making a final decision on the vaccine.

Members and dependants 35 years and older to get vaccinated:

Since 15 July 2021, all South-African citizens who are 35 years and older can register to receive their COVID-19 vaccine. For your convenience, we have designed a dedicated COVID-19 Hub to guide you through your vaccine journey and ensure that you have a world class experience. Visit www.bonitas.co.za/covid and tap on Register for your COVID-19 vaccine, then follow our two-step process to get vaccinated.

Please note: If you are not close to any of our sites currently available on the booking site, you will need to wait for the EVDS scheduling by NDoH for any other site close to you. There will be more sites in future and updates will be provided to all eligible members.

What the fully vaccinated need to know:

If you received the required dose/doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, you are considered vaccinated. You should however not just go back to your normal habits of not wearing a mask and not sanitising. This is because vaccines are not fully guaranteed and you might still get the virus despite being vaccinated. It has however been proven that the symptoms are not as severe for vaccinated people vs those who have not been vaccinated. It is also important to remember that the coronavirus is still spreading and the majority of the population have not yet been vaccinated.

Due to these facts, it is advisable to continue following the required COVID-19 protocols until the country has reached the required herd immunity levels.

We are here for you and continue to provide the support that you and your family require during this time. It is the responsibility of each of us to do our bit, with each additional person vaccinated, we are one step closer to achieving herd immunity in South Africa and for life to get back to our new normal. We are here for you and continue to provide the required support that you and your family require during this time. It is the responsibility of each of us to do our bit, with each additional person vaccinated, we are one step closer to achieving herd immunity in South Africa and for life to get back to our new normal.

*Herd immunity: Infectious diseases spread easily and entire communities can rapidly become infected. If a high percentage of the community is vaccinated, it is difficult for the disease to spread. This is known as herd immunity and is especially crucial for those most vulnerable, who are unable to receive certain vaccines.