The Western Cape is expected to fully exit the third wave by the end of the week, but the province has renewed its vaccination clarion call before the anticipated fourth wave hits in December.

According to the provincial health department, there has been a reduced uptake of vaccination over the last few days.

"We all want to be able to have a safe Christmas - unlike 2020 - and want to be able to still enjoy time with our loved ones," the provincial health department said in a statement.

"We can do so if we are fully vaccinated but we need to ensure we take up the opportunity to receive both doses, keeping in mind there is a 42-day interval between first and second Pfizer doses."

It advised that unvaccinated residents receive their first dose by 20 October and their second injection by two weeks before Christmas.

There has to be a time interval between shots, while it takes two weeks for immunity to build up maximum protection after the second.

The SA Modelling Consortium experts predict the province has a 100% probability of exiting the third wave by 2 October, the department said.

According to latest statistics released by the Western Cape government, the province currently has 7 931 active cases, with 154 diagnosed in the last 24 hours.

A total of 19 672 people have died, while 518 114 have contracted the virus since the start of the outbreak.

According to the most recent vaccination statistics, 502 316 people in the prioritised 60 and over age bracket have been vaccinated, while 96% of those registered have received at least their first jab.

A total of 67.5% of the total population of this age group has been reached.

In the 50-59 age group, over 50% - or 366 523 out of 682 516 citizens, have registered.

"Vaccination remains voluntary, but it is our responsibility to ensure we save as many lives as possible before the end of the year. This is a key period now, in-between waves, so we can ensure these citizens are vaccinated before the anticipated fourth wave hits in December," the department said.

"Those in the other age groups are encouraged to continue taking up vaccination – the more citizens we can get fully protected, the better for each and everyone in the province and together we can reduce the loss of lives and livelihoods going forward.

"Younger age groups can also get severe disease and are also at risk of 'long Covid' … when sometimes symptoms persist months after contracting Covid and this affects our ability to live normally.

"Vaccination also reduces the chance of spreading the virus – you as a young person can contribute to protecting older or other persons more at risk of severe disease by getting vaccinated."