Health MEC to launch vaccine booster campaign as fifth wave looms
Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba said the department has observed a decrease in immunity from both natural and vaccine immunity as compared to the fourth wave.
LIMPOPO – The MEC for Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba will launch a Covid-19 vaccine booster campaign at the Thavhani Mall on Friday.
Health spokesperson Neil Shikwambana said the campaign comes in anticipation of the fifth wave.
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“The department is worried about a seven day average increase in new Covid-19 cases from 11 to 28. With the anticipated fifth wave, driven by a new variant (Omicron variant B4 and B5), recent data suggests that the booster shot offers extra protection from these emerging variants and vaccination remains a key public health prevention intervention for the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Shikwambana added that during the recent fourth wave, the department’s analysis showed a significant decline in Covid-19 mortality and hospitalisation due to the vaccine.
Ramathuba said the purpose of the planned campaign is to improve booster uptake among the high risk population and improve vaccine uptake among the younger age cohorts.
“Our current observation is that we are facing decreasing immunity among the population from both natural and vaccine induced immunity as compared to during the fourth wave, hence it is important for people to know that booster doses provides extra protection from breakthrough infections, and that boosted persons are more likely to have mild infection.”
Ramathuba encouraged people to visit vaccination sites and get their booster shots.
As at May 3, Limpopo had a total of 143 new cases reported in a 24 hour period with 31 of those in Polokwane.
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