Many people are still uncertain whether or not to be vaccinated against Covid-19. The Fezile Dabi District Health Office held an online information session last Friday, where more information was given and questions answered. Here is a summary of some of the most frequently asked questions and uncertainties that were answered:

1. People want to know which vaccine is the best?

The answer is simple – the one offered to you. The main objective of the Covid Vaccine Programme is to prevent severe disease/hospitalisation and death due to Covid infections. All available vaccines provide this outcome.

2. Who cannot be vaccinated?

Pregnant and lactating mothers (safety is still being investigated). If you have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 90 days. If you have received any other vaccine e.g. the flu vaccine within the past 14 days. If you have very high blood pressure the day of the vaccination or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

3. Can you stop wearing a mask after receiving the Covid vaccine?

Definitely not. The vaccine will protect you from severe illness/hospitalisation, which can result in death, but it does not provide 100 per cent protection against infection. It assists your body’s immune system rapidly to respond to an infection of the Covid virus. Your immune system can, therefore, fight a Covid infection more rapidly and possibly reduce the symptoms and illness, but you can still be infected and infectious.

4. Why did the National Department of Health establish the electronic vaccine data system (EVDS) and will my information be safe?

Yes, your information is safe. Secure protocol and healthcare provider-client confidentiality apply in keeping record.

5. Is vaccination necessary when you use Ivermectin?

Herd immunity is now of utmost importance to prevent infections. There- fore, the recommendation is to vaccinate.

6. Why was the Covid vaccine programme paused?

The programme is currently registered as a clinical trial. Therefore, the pro- gramme is subjected to the clinical trial protocol as approved by SAHPRA. It is then managed and fully conducted by the Medical Research Council (MRC). As the study progresses, the MRC is vigilant and responsible for investigating, assessing and intervening in any suspected effects that can be linked to the product. Therefore, SAHPRA and the MRC temporarily paused the vaccine programme for investigation and assessment purposes, following the reported six cases of rare thrombosis in North America. They concluded that the programme could restart in SA following their findings and risk assessment.

7. What is the risk of developing blood clots when vaccinated?

The risk of developing unusual blood clotting because of the vaccines is extremely rare. As of 12 April 2021, zero out of 289,787 people in SA presented with blood clotting as an effect of the Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine. Globally, six out of 6,8 million people presented with blood clotting as an effect of the Covid-19 vaccine.

8. What can I expect after being vaccinated?

Either no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms, which usually subside within 1–2 days. These symptoms could include pain, redness or swelling at the site of the injection, fever or chills, fatigue or a headache. However, should you have difficulty breathing, severe and rapidly spreading rash or a severe headache that does not subside with painkillers, you should consult your doctor.

9. Which age group will be vaccinated now?

The registration for vaccination of people 60 years and older will be done now and vaccination of this group will start on 17 May. Thereafter, vaccination will follow for people 50 years and older, then 40 years and older, then the 18 plus population, and then the mop-up of the vaccination campaign.

10. Where will the vaccine stations be in Parys, Vredefort, Koppies, Viljoenskroon and Heilbron?

Parys – The community hall, Tumahole; Master Nakedi Sports Centre, Tumahole, Forum Building, mobile clinic Viljoenskroon – Mpatalatsane Com- munity hall; mobile clinic Koppies – The community hall, Kwakwatsi; mobile clinic Vredefort – The multipurpose centre; Ramotshedisi Trading CCMDD Pick-up Point Heilbron – The community hall Heilbron; Community hall Phiritona; mobile clinic Parys District Hospital.

11. How do I register for vaccination?

Remember, online registration is encouraged but community health workers will also assist targeted households. Onsite registration will also be available at the vaccination sites. Other settings will be coordinated through management for essential workers, old-age homes, correc- tional services etc. 12. Which vaccine will I receive if staying within the Ngwathe municipal borders? You will receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Ngwathe aims to vaccinate 68 per cent of adults. This is 53,053 out of the 79,183 adults. The Fezile Dabi district aims to vaccinate 509,520 adults. The reason for Johnson & Johnson being used in rural areas and Pfizer in urban areas is because it is a single-dose vaccine. This means it is easier to use in rural areas where people might have difficulty getting to the vaccination station for a second dose. Vaccination stations in rural areas are also not as easily accessible as urban areas for both the public and healthcare workers.