The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health says healthcare workers at R.K, Khan Hospital are confident after receiving their Johnson & Johnson vaccines and that the rest of the staff are eagerly awaiting their turn.
However, Chatsworth residents have mixed feelings about using the vaccine even though the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recommended that the suspension of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine roll-out be lifted, based on certain conditions. “These conditions include, but are not limited to, strengthened screening and monitoring of participants who are at high risk of a blood clotting disorder.” “Measures are to be implemented to ensure the safe management of any participants who develop vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT),” SAHPRA said in a statement.
Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, halted the vaccine roll-out last Tuesday following recommendations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States after six women developed blood clots, one of whom died. “These incidents occurred between six and 13 days after vaccination in women between the ages of 18 and 48 years old. It must be noted that over 6.6 million citizens have been inoculated with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the US,” he said. Mkhize assured citizens that there had not been any reports of blood clots forming after inoculation in South Africa and that this was after 289 787 healthcare workers were vaccinated under the Sisonke Protocol. Around 342 of the vaccinated healthcare workers came from Chatsworth’s R.K. Khan Hospital.
KZN DoH spokesperson, Agiza Hlongwane, said 111 doctors and 111 nurses were vaccinated at the R.K. Khan Hospital with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine during the first round in March this year. “A further 90 nurses and 30 doctors received the vaccine on 8 April as well. Staff who have been vaccinated do feel a lot more confident, but are advised to follow full Covid-19 precautions. Those who are yet to be vaccinated are eagerly awaiting their turn.” Hlongwane said that vaccines were designed to give immunity without the dangers of getting the disease and that having mild to moderate side-effects of the vaccine should not set off alarm bells. “Like any vaccine, Covid-19 vaccines can cause side-effects, most of which are mild or moderate and go away within a few days on their own. Vaccines are continually monitored to detect adverse events.” However, Chatsworth residents are still uneasy about the vaccine as citizens over 60 years old have been given the go-ahead to register on the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS). A Montford resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was hesitant to register for the vaccine. “While I do qualify to register on the EVDS, I am pretty hesitant after hearing about the blood clots in the US. Though it only affected women there, thus far. I understand that it is important to get inoculated, but I am unable to convince myself to register just yet,” he said.
Another resident, Dylan Naidoo, said that while he was not eager to take the vaccine, he understood the need for it. “Just like any other illness, it is important that we try all necessary means before we find the cure. I am apprehensive but when people of my age group are allowed to register for the vaccine, I will do it for the benefit of finding a possible cure,” he said. Meanwhile, Ward 71 Councillor, Previn Vedan, has urged residents to remain calm following a viral voice note circulating on social media, confirming that Chatsworth is in the midst of a third wave. “Once again there are mischievous people causing panic in our communities.” He said only the Department of Health is authorised and will make available Covid stats. “The circulation of false information regarding Covid and related information remains punishable and unlawful. Let’s continue to work together and remain safe,” he said.
