Probe into vaccination hype in Standerton

Data on the side-effects of the vaccinations for the coronavirus is closely monitored in Standerton.
This is out of the horse’s mouth.

An official at the Department of Health in Mpumalanga said on Tuesday, August 31 that weekly meetings are scheduled with the province and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority to capture statistics.

From a swelling on the arm, the beginning of a small bump to flue-like symptoms are recorded and a committee finally assesses available information.

The official did not hesitate to clear up rumours about changes to a person’s DNA.

“The vaccine works on the RNA which is the nucleus to boost an immunity reaction,” was said.

A Google-search explained RNA as ribonucleic acid, a nucleic acid present in all living cells.

According to them, its principal role is to act as a messenger carrying instructions from DNA for controlling the synthesis of proteins, although in some viruses RNA rather than DNA carries the genetic information.

Cases where patients died after being vaccinated that get wide publicity, was explained as the individual already sickening with the coronavirus.

The speed at which the vaccines was put on the market, was also discussed.

“The Sars-virus was also a coronavirus,” the official commented.

The World Health Organisation described this acute respiratory syndrome as a viral respiratory disease caused by a Sars-associated coronavirus.

It was first identified at the end of February 2003 during an outbreak that emerged in China and spread to four other countries.

“All that had to be done, was to use the nucleus and develop it from there.” the official added.

With the Pfizer-dose, 0,3ml is injected once and a booster afterwards, while the Johnson and Johnson-injection uses 0,5ml.

According to the provincial government, the question as to a third vaccine is pending a decision from the South African Medical Board.

The official also said the Lekwa Sub-district’s figures are showing a decline.

A total of 26 541 residents were vaccinated out of a population of 135 000.

The statistics as on Monday, August 29 for Standerton indicated that 658 people in the age group 18 years and over were vaccinated, 4 902 in the age group 35 to 49 years, 3 539 in the 50+ category, with the 60s and over totalling 5 188.

Altogether 394 health care workers, 62 Sars-employees and 921 teachers in town also got their jabs.

The official laid fears to rest about oxygen availability, saying Standerton Hospital is well-equipped.

Standerton TB Hospital has put two wards aside for Covid-19 patients.

Hot-spots is Standerton are Wards 10, 4 and 15.

The percentage of people dying in relation to the population, stands at 3,4%.

A cautionary note crept into the conversation about the possibility of a fourth wave.

“If we are not careful, the figures can be higher.”

The department took note of the number of residents, who arrived for the vaccine, with blood pressure problems.

Social media, fake news and the narrative in the community were also discussed.

The official concluded by encouraging people to get vaccinated, saying stocks are ample.

The now by now familiar refrain of wearing masks, sanitising and keeping a social distance was emphasised.