Covid-19 news across the world
Vaccination against Covid-19 is on every country’s lips this week, as some nations share pleasing efficacy rates of those vaccinated, and other nations are affording certain privileges to those fully vaccinated. The big news at home is that South African children are now taking part in a new vaccine trial.
SA children in Covid-19 vaccine trials
China’s Sinovac Biotech trials in children and teenagers began in South Africa yesterday (September 10). The study will assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children aged between six months and 17 years. Children from a number of countries are participating, with 2000 children from South Africa participating.
Groote Schuur Hospital
A graphic posted by Groote Schuur Hospital in the Western Cape has been circulating online over the past week. The graphic claims that on September 6, 153 of the 156 people hospitalised as a result of Covid-19, were unvaccinated, as were all 32 people on ventilators.
Every single one of the seriously ill Covid patients in High Care and ICU, fighting for their lives in Groote Schuur hospital right now, are unvaccinated.
Protect your life, your health and the people around you.
Get #vaccinated https://t.co/uFFZ8tECiH
— Karyn Maughan (@karynmaughan) September 7, 2021
This has sparked great conversation on the web as it shows that vaccines really are important and are making a difference in South Africa’s vaccination efforts.
The graphic was first posted on Facebook by the University of Cape Town’s health sciences faculty.
The faculty’s comment on the graphic gives higher numbers, saying 254 people were hospitalised at Groote Schuur that day, and that ‘99% (251/254) are #UNVACCINATED’ and that ‘100% patients in High Care & ICU & on ventilators are #UNVACCINATED’.
Africa Check asked Alaric Jacobs, a spokesperson for Groote Schuur, about the graphic. He said it was authentic and produced using data from the hospital, but added that the data was not complete.
WHO Africa pleased with vaccination efforts
In a press briefing held on Thursday (September 9), the World Health Organisation (WHO) African Region discussed some key developments in the continent’s vaccination efforts.
Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the regional director for WHO Africa, expressed her gratitude for the increase of vaccinations across the continent. However, she did note that first-world countries such as the United States have thrown away vaccines because they have expired.
"On the #COVID19 vaccine front, in the past week, the #COVAX Facility has delivered over five million doses to African countries. I was saddened to read that 3x as many doses have been thrown away in 🇺🇸 alone – 15 million doses since March 2021." – Dr @MoetiTshidi
— WHO African Region (@WHOAFRO) September 9, 2021
This again highlights the disparity between developing countries, which do not have access to vaccines, and those countries that have more than enough or are ‘hoarding’ vaccines for third booster shots.
Israel’s Covid surge not all bad
Israel has been one of the leading countries when it comes to vaccinating its populace against Covid-19.
However, in recent weeks, Israel has had a surge in new Covid-19 infections. On September 1, it recorded the highest new infections so far this year, with 16 011 cases. Health experts note this is not something that other countries need worry about as the hospitalisation and death rate have remained relatively low and stable.
According to some researchers, the vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing severe disease in people under 50, and more than 85% effective in those over 50.
EU lists rare nerve disorder as possible side effect of vaccine
The European Union (EU) has added Guillain-Barre syndrome as a possible side effect of AstraZenaca’s Covid-19 vaccines.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks nerves located outside of the brain and spinal cord.
The EU said 833 post-vaccination cases of the syndrome were recorded. Despite this, the European Medicines Agency still emphasis that benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.
Australia may end harsh lockdown
Parts of Australia have been in a hard lockdown since July because of an increase in Covid-19 cases. However, the New South Wales government has revealed plans to lift some lockdown restrictions in the near future.
The country has focused heavily on vaccinating its people, with specific rules for those who are fully vaccinated. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian noted that only fully vaccinated people will be able to enjoy the following freedoms:
- Five visitors allowed in a home
- 20-person outdoor gatherings
- Carpooling
- Travel around the state
In some parts of the state’s capital, Sydney, residents living in social housing are under strict alcohol restrictions. Residents are allowed to receive one of the following: six beers or pre-mixed drinks, one bottle of wine, or one 375ml bottle of spirits.
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