EXPLAINER: Covid-19 vaccination roll-out, here are some things you need to know
The Department of Health started with the phase two vaccination roll-out this week prioritising the immunisation of thousands of people aged 60 and above.
This week the Department of Health started the Covid vaccine roll-out aimed at millions of people aged 60 and above, while also faced with the task of completing the vaccination of health workers.
With the ever-developing information on the vaccination roll-out here are some things you might need clarity on:
What happens when you miss a vaccination appointment after receiving the SMS?
According to the health department, if one misses a vaccine appointment for any reason, they will be rescheduled. You can get the new date by re-registering on the electronic vaccine data system (EVDS) or waiting for the online system to send a new date.
Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize recently said individuals who missed three appointments would not be rescheduled again. However, would still be on the system and can ask to be scheduled again by calling the Covid-19 hotline (0800-029-999) or visiting a registration site for further assistance.
When going to get the vaccine, you must have a proof of ID or driver’s licence or passport. People on medical aid schemes were urged to bring their medical aid card or other details.
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What to expect after receiving the vaccine?
The department has reported that many people have mild symptoms like mild fever, headaches, tiredness, as well as redness, swelling and pain at the injection site for one to two days. They advised that these could be managed at home with rest and paracetamol.
Mkhize urged people who might experience more serious symptoms like severe headache, severe abdominal pain or severe limb pain should phone the Covid hotline, 0800-029-999 for advice, or seek medical care.
What do the vaccines protect you from?
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says that the vaccine protects one from getting severe Covid disease or dying from infection.
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If I have Covid-19 symptoms, can I receive the vaccine?
No, it is unadvisable to vaccinate sick individuals with Covid-19 or any other short-term illnesses, including fevers, according to the NICD.
It was recommended for sickly individuals to wait until fully recovered.
How long do you wait after getting a flu jab to get the Covid vaccine?
The flu injection and Covid-19 vaccine should be given at least 14 days apart, the NICD says.
How long does the protection from the vaccine last?
Mkhize recently said that they were not certain how long the protection from the vaccine would last and that research was underway.
Can the Covid-19 vaccine be administered to children?
The NICD stipulates that most Covid-19 vaccines, like the Johnson & Johnson, Moderna and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccines were not currently recommended for children under 18 years of age, as data from clinical trials was collected from adults. This was also a subject under research.
If I have been vaccinated, can I still get infected?
According to the NICD, yes, vaccinated individuals may still be at risk of contracting the virus. However, they would have milder symptoms in comparison to those who are unvaccinated.
How much does the vaccination cost?
Receiving the vaccine through the government roll-out does not have any costs. Those on medical schemes, the schemes cover the administration of the vaccine.
Reminder : Ways to register on EVDS:
– Online at www.vaccine.enroll.gov.za – Using the Whatsapp line 0600-123-456
– By sms dial *134*832#
– Call the Covid-19 hotline 0800-029-999
All services are zero rated which means they can be used without having airtime.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments.
As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online.
Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed.
Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
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