SA halts J&J vaccine

South Africa will suspend the rollout of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine over blood clot fears.

This was announced by Health minister, Dr. Zweli Mkhize who was speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday night after the U-S Food and Drug Administration advised a temporarily suspension of its rollout of the J&J vaccine after six women developed “unusual blood clots”.

Mkhize emphasised that there were no reports of blood clots after vaccination in South Africa and that the decision to halt the J&J vaccine was just a “precautionary decision”.

Mkhize was confident that there would be more answers “over the next few days”, before additional supplies of the vaccines arrived on SA shores next week.

The City of Cape Town’s Health Department has recorded just more than 1 300 Covid-19 vaccinations of healthcare workers and support staff. This equates to more than 40% of eligible healthcare workers.

‘’The vaccination drive is critical to ensuring that our frontline workers are safe, and able to continue delivering primary and environmental health services to our communities.’’ Said Mayco member for community services and health, Dr. Zahid Badroodien.

‘’They have been under immense pressure over the past year, and deserve our ongoing support and acknowledgement of the important role they play in our response to the pandemic.’’ Added Badrrodien

 

Done By: Mitchum George