SA's drive-through vaccine centre: 'I feel safer'

South Africa has been opening up more coronavirus vaccination centres this week - including one drive-through site - in its bid to get more people vaccinated.

The country recently expanded its campaign to cover people aged 60 and over, after first vaccinating health workers.

The authorities have faced criticism for the slow rollout of the jabs.

The drive-through centre is in Kempton Park in Gauteng province, where people are vaccinated through their car window.

When the site opened on Monday, there were some teething problems, with the medics having trouble connecting to the network needed to record their work and view appointments, the national broadcaster Sabc reported.

But the site has since been working well, with cars seen lining up after booking their slots online, according to Africanews.

Medics said people felt safer in their vehicles rather than waiting with others to get their vaccine.

After getting her jab, one resident, Nombuyiselo Vilakazi, agreed, telling Africanews: "When we're packed sitting in line at the clinic to receive the vaccine, you get discouraged by those you are seated with - that's when fear creeps in and you have second thoughts about receiving the vaccine.”

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Ekurhuleni District Health Services