Medical practitioners in the Free State affiliated to the South African Medical Association (Sama) will kickstart a Covid-19 vaccination programme in support of the government’s campaign to reach every citizen.
The vaccination programme of Sama’s Free State branch is set to launch today (25/08) at the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein.
The organisation, comprising of about 9 000 doctors, is a non-statutory professional association for medical practitioners in both the public and private sector.
“We are sponsoring the vaccination programme to demonstrate our support of the Covid-19 vaccine,” said Prof. Dirk Thomas Hagemeister, chairperson of Sama’s Free State branch.
“Sama wholly supports the vaccination process as a safe and effective strategy in curbing the spread of Covid-19 and bringing an end to the pandemic through herd immunity.”
According to Hagemeister, the Free State branch has labeled Covid-19 vaccines as essential in the fight against the spread of Covid-19.
He strongly urged people not to spread misinformation about vaccines and Covid-19.
“Those who do not vaccinate are creating an environment for Covid-19 to mutate into dangerous variants. Patients rely on informed medical experts to make decisions regarding their health.
“Sama respects every patient’s right to refuse vaccination, but urges patients to make informed decisions and to speak to doctors who present all the advantages and disadvantages based on scientifically formulated data,” Hagemeister said.
He mentioned that a few general practitioners in Bloemfontein who falsely represent themselves as experts in the field of transmittable diseases and vaccines are spreading false information on social media platforms.
“Sama strongly distances itself from these physicians.
“Doctors who spread false information about Covid-19 vaccines discourage patients from getting vaccinated, which can lead to a preventable loss of life.”
Those who do not vaccinate are creating an
environment for Covid-19 to mutate into
dangerous variants
