SA’s J&J vaccine roll-out programme resumes

South Africa has taken a significant step forward in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as the country announces the resumption of its Johnson & Johnson vaccine rollout program this week. The decision follows a temporary halt in the use of the vaccine due to concerns about blood clots that were reported in the United States. Recent research has indicated that the risk of clotting from the vaccine is extremely low, with only one case in a million, primarily affecting women between the ages of 18 and 48. Koleka Mlisana, Co-chair of the Covid-19 Ministerial Advisory Committee, shed light on the details of the decision and the way forward in an interview with CNBC Africa. The country's health minister, Zweli Mkhize, emphasized the importance of ramping up the vaccination process to cover the 500,000 healthcare workers set to receive doses by May 16, 2021. However, the slow progress so far has raised concerns about meeting the ambitious target of inoculating at least 200,000 people per day. Mlisana expressed optimism about the rollout and urged patience in evaluating the success of the program in achieving its goals. The ultimate aim is to vaccinate 41 million South Africans to achieve herd immunity. The current plan projects that by October 2021, all individuals over the age of 40, those with comorbidities, and essential workers will have been vaccinated. The remaining population above 18 years of age is expected to be vaccinated by February or March 2022. However, the successful implementation of the plan relies heavily on the availability of resources and a smooth execution strategy. The inclusion of traditional healers and healthcare workers in the vaccination program underscores the government's commitment to ensuring comprehensive coverage across the healthcare sector. Overcoming vaccine hesitancy remains a key challenge in the vaccination drive, with concerns and misinformation hindering public confidence. Mlisana stressed the importance of transparent communication and education to address these issues and highlight the significant benefits of vaccination in preventing COVID-19 infections. Despite the challenges posed by potential variants and evolving circumstances, the South African health authorities are dedicated to keeping the public informed and engaged throughout the vaccination campaign.