NEW PRESCRIBED MINIMUM BENEFIT (PMB): COVID-19 VACCINE

As we are all aware by now, the Covid-19 pandemic is a global health crisis of unprecedented nature. There has however been significant progress in the development of Covid-19 vaccines worldwide and many countries have started to implement vaccination roll-out plans. Vaccination will be a key component of reaching so-called herd immunity, so that the pandemic can hopefully be brought under control.

Although there are no firm dates for the vaccination roll-out plan in South Africa yet, we can assure you that once vaccines are available, that these will form part of the Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs), as declared by the Minister of Health on the 24th of December 2020 for which you and your registered dependants qualify as Society members. This means that you will not incur any costs for Covid-19 vaccinations for you and your registered dependants.

For more information about the Department of Health’s Medical Advisory Committee’s roll-out plan, including who will qualify for vaccination during which phase of the roll-out, please refer to this article. All relevant information in this regard will be shared with our members as soon as it becomes available, so please look out for further Society Newsflashes. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email benefitpost@dbbs.co.za or call 053 807 3111.

Finally, I urge all our members to take extra care during this second wave of infections. The reality is that the numbers are surging every day and we now all know someone who has been affected or infected by Covid-19. While practicing social distancing and adhering to Covid-19 regulations has been taxing on us all, it is imperative that we continue to remain alert and do what is necessary to safeguard our health and the health of those around us, particularly as the risk of contracting and spreading the virus is increasing.

Take care and stay safe.

Kind regards

Stanley Mathonzi

PRINCIPAL OFFICER