According to the South African bill of rights, everyone has the right to life and access to health care.
However, a recent press release by the Western Cape Government showed an increase in the number of deaths occurring in unvaccinated adults who are 50 and above than vaccinated elderly.
According to South African Constitution, the Bill of rights is linked together with responsibilities.
With that said according to the Western Cape Government vaccinating will decrease one’s chances of getting infected by the Covid-19
In Premier Alen Winde’s weekly press conference, the province shared the following data:
The analysis of deaths during the 12-week period, showing clearly how 30% of all cases, 60% admissions and 83% of deaths fall within the 50+ age group.
It was also revealed on the Vaccination status of admissions in hospitalisations and deaths of 50 and above how the relative risk increases/diminishes due to vaccination status (the figures illustrate how 81% of the admissions are not vaccinated, and 83% of deaths are not vaccinated) – this is within a specific week of 14 – 20 August.
The premier said, “The reasoning behind the message, relates to the high risk of severe illness in this group as well as the relative benefit to be derived from vaccines”.
The right to have access to health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services.
With that in mind, the National government issued out a press release urging the older citizens to vaccinate
“We know that the older you are, the greater the risk that you will get severely ill with COVID-19 or that you will need to be hospitalised
We also know that the risk of death from COVID-19 is higher among the elderly than younger people”. said the President Cyril Ramaphosa
The press release also mentioned the importance to save lives and preventing our health facilities and staff from being overwhelmed, we have therefore prioritised those above 50 and those above 60 for vaccination.
This does not mean that people younger than 50 are not at risk.
In recent months, we have seen an increasing number of younger people being hospitalised and dying from COVID-19.
By Siphokazi Mnyobe
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