J&J vaccine resumes but with changes to consent

The Johnson and Johnson Sisonke Programme to vaccinate healthcare workers as part of the first phase of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, will resume on 28 April 2021.

It was paused temporarily after six Americans suffered blot clots.

As a condition for resuming the COVID-19 vaccination trial programme, SAHPRA has added a requirement that all Sisonke participants need to be informed of the potential risk of the rare clotting disorder and therefore reconsent to participating. The revisions also pertain to the additional SAHPRA recommendation that pregnant and breastfeeding women should be excluded from the trial at this stage.

 

Health workers who have been vaccinated already

If you have already been vaccinated, you will receive an SMS with a safety update on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Health workers who have a voucher but have not been vaccinated yet

Your current voucher is no longer valid. You will receive a SMS requesting you to read the new participant information and provide consent. Once you’ve consented, you will receive a new vaccine voucher. You will use this new vaccine voucher when you present for your vaccination.

Health workers who have registered but have not received a voucher or a vaccination

You will receive a SMS inviting you to the Sisonke programme. You will have to read the new participant information and provide consent. When you are eligible for your vaccination, you will receive a voucher. You will use this voucher when you present for your vaccination.

 Health workers who have not registered for the vaccine

Please register as soon as possible. You can only receive the vaccination during Phase 1 if you have registered to be part of the Sisonke Programme. If you do not register now, you will have to wait for your turn during Phase 2 and 3 roll-out. You can register here: https://vaccination.health.gov.za.

 

The updated consent form will need to be completed by all participants prior to vaccination.

 

Please note the current scheduling process is still in operation for all healthcare workers in public sector.

 

Information from: Western Cape Government Health