GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Unvaccinated South Africans and those not fully vaccinated are urged to get their jabs as soon as possible, following the emergence of the Omicron variant, which is responsible for most of Gauteng's infections, and is spreading across the country.
The Omicron variant was first described in Botswana and subsequently in South Africa. It has since been identified in a number of countries.
South Africa has been praised for its early detection and reporting of the variant, which has far more mutations than any previous variants. It is not yet clear whether infection with Omicron causes more severe disease compared to infections with other variants, but it appears to spread more easily.
On Sunday, 28 November the World Health Organisation said researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron and will share their findings as they became available.
The identification of Omicron coincided with a sudden rise in Covid-19 infections in South Africa, and has prompted the authorities to yet again call on the nation to get vaccinated. It is now predicted that South Africa could enter its fourth wave within the next few weeks, if not sooner.
The rate of vaccination has slowed down in South Africa, which is alarming given that there is overwhelming scientific evidence that vaccination is the best defence against serious Covid-19 infections.
"Since the first Covid-19 vaccines became available late last year, we have seen how vaccines have dramatically reduced severe illness, hospitalisation and death in South Africa and across the world," said President Cyril Ramaphosa in a state address on Sunday, 28 November.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has reported that the vaccines in use should protect people from severe illness resulting from Omicron infection. "Partial immune escape is likely, but it is likely that vaccines will still offer high levels of protection against hospitalisation and death," it said on 26 November.
Forty-one percent of the adult population has received at least one vaccine dose, and 35.6% of adult South Africans are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. This is far from government's original target of vaccinating 67% of the population by the end of 2021, and is largely as a result of vaccine hesitancy or apathy.
While it is hoped that people will heed the call to get vaccinated, Ramaphosa said mandatory vaccination for certain sectors is being urgently reviewed. "If we do not address this seriously and as a matter of urgency, we will continue to be vulnerable to new variants and will continue to suffer new waves of infection," he said.
Meanwhile, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) received an application on 17 November for the approval of a third dose – or booster shot – of the Pfizer vaccine, while in October, SAHPRA and Johnson & Johnson approved vaccine booster doses for all healthcare workers who received their first shot as part of the Sisonke Study.
All people over the age of 12 are eligible to be vaccinated.
1. Get vaccinated during Vooma Vaccination Week, 3 to 10 December
Vaccination sites will be open daily, with selected sites opening on Sunday. See www.sacoronavirus.co.za for details.
2. People with disabilities, underlying medical conditions and pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated
People with a disability are often at higher risk of Covid-19 complications. In addition, the NICD says pregnant women are more likely to get severely ill with Covid-19, compared with women who are not pregnant. If you've been vaccinated, you might be eligible for a booster dose. Speak to your doctor.
3. Over 50s
If you're over 50, you fall into the age category that is most at risk of severe Covid-19 complications, says the Department of Health (DoH). "If all over 50s get vaccinated by the end of the year, four out of five deaths from Covid-19 could be prevented during the fourth wave."
4. Side effects
The DoH notes that there have been no deaths in South Africa attributed to Covid-19 vaccines. "It is normal to have some side effects, such as flu-like symptoms. If you're worried, feel short of breath or if your heart is racing, call the Covid-19 hotline for advice."
5. Be a Vax Champ and stop the spread of misinformation!
Vax Champs encourage their friends, family and neighbours to vaccinate. To become a Vax Champ, visit www.vaxchamp.org.za, WhatsApp 0600 123 456 or call the National Covid Hotline.
6. What we do know
While there is much we do not know about the new variant, we do know that getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding crowded places and packed indoor gatherings will help prevent the spread of all variants, and decrease the likelihood of landing up in hospital, should you contract the disease.
Contact the Covid-19 hotline (0800 029 999) or email info@vaccinesupport.org.za in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Sotho or Xhosa.
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