​Qaqambile Mdledle
The South African government in partnership with the South African Medical Research Council, Desmond Tutu Health Foundation, CAPRISA, and Johnson & Johnson started with the Sisonke Protocol in February 2021. The Programme allowed for the inoculation of public and private healthcare workers using a research programme
Since the inception of the programme more than 70 000 healthcare workers have been inoculated. 
Gauteng online spoke to three Healthcare workers who got vaccinated to share their experience and advice members of the public on what to expect when they get vaccinated.
Dr. Yona Skhosana from Helen Joseph Hospital working in the infectious disease unit said she had side effects (fever) after receiving the vaccine but she treated them with Panado.
"I think it's a good idea for health workers to take the vaccine as it is one of the  things we have in protecting ourselves, we can't always distance ourselves from Covid-19 patients, we have to interact with patients and the vaccine is the only thing that protects us," she said.
Dr. Carli Navi a medical officer from Helen Joseph hospital in the infectious diseases' unit said she had absolutely zero side effects after taking the vaccine.
"I really encourage all healthcare workers to get vaccinated, it will be crazy not to receive it. It's our only form of safety that is tangible besides washing of hands, wearing a mask and social distancing," she said.
Sister Quintiline Claster a registered nurse said after receiving the vaccine she had mild side effects which included fatigue but the following day she was feeling okay.
"I'm encouraging all the staff to take vaccine so that they get anti-bodies to fight the virus, in case the third wave comes in a stronger form you will have enough anti-bodies to help you fight the virus, " she said.