Vaccine a shot in the arm for 12-17s

SOUTH Africa’s Covid-19 vaccination rollout will extend to children in the 12 – 17 age group from tomorrow.

The age cohort will be able to receive a dose of the Pfizer vaccine ahead of the end-of-year examinations.

“The MAC advised that for now, we only give one dose while assessing information, which suggests that in a few cases, there have been short-lived cases of transient myocarditis after two doses. The timing of the second dose will be informed by further information on this rarely observed side effect which has no permanent risk,” said Health Minister Joe Phaahla following advice from the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC).

The timing of the second dose will be communicated when more information becomes available, he said.

“At this stage, there’s been no indication that the first dose has any serious side effects. So, for now, it will be just one, but we believe it will still offer significant protection, and once more information comes, we will offer the second dose.”

The department’s acting director-general Dr Nicholas Crisp said vaccinations for this new age cohort would not be taking place at schools.

“For this period of the national vaccination programme, children can be vaccinated at all public and private vaccination sites just like everyone else,” he said.

Phaahla said the MAC also advised booster doses be given to individuals with compromised immunity, such as those on long-term oral steroids therapy for autoimmune conditions, those with haematological or immune malignancies, those with solid organ or bone marrow transplant, renal dialysis and primary immunological disorders. “This should happen strictly under a referral by a medical practitioner.”

Healthcare workers on the front line have also called for booster Covid19 shots, the minister added.

“The request is receiving attention, and we are working with the SA Medical Research Council on a possible approach, and the MRC has applied to SAHPRA to consider a J&J booster to follow the Sisonke study in order to use this as a second study on the possible benefit of enhanced immunity with a booster of the otherwise one-dose vaccine,” he said.

The number of new infections in the country has continued on a downward trend. As of Friday, there was a 28% reduction of new cases, and reported deaths are down by 16%.

Phaahla said the department is pleased more than 1.5million Covid19 digital vaccination certificates had been downloaded.

Under the lockdown level 1 regulations and as part of phase one towards fully reopening sporting activities, a limited number of spectators are allowed to return to sporting venues.

For the first time since the start of the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, fans will be able to cheer on their teams, but there is a limit to 750 people for indoor venues and 2 000 people for outdoor venues.

“I am confident that, once we can be assured that the protocols are being well established, we can ramp up the numbers in a safe environment,” said Phaahla.