Vaccine Rollout Still on Pause

By: Zilungile Mkhize

Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, says there is still no official date for the resumption of government’s vaccination campaign.

Last week government announce a temporary halt the inoculations involving Johnson & Johnson (J & J) due to blood clotting fears, following news that six people reported to have developed a blood clotting disorder in the United States.

During his visit to the Western Cape as part of the preparations for the second phase of the vaccination programme, Mkhize has confirmed that government remains in talks with the pharmaceutical giant J&J on the issue of vaccine safety.

He says rolling out the jabs will begin soon.

Meanwhile,the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has called on the minister to ensure a better screening and monitoring regime of participants at high risk of blood clotting disorders.

SAHPRA board chairperson, Professor Helen Rees, says participants in the Sisonke study will be informed about the possible risks of developing a blood clotting disorder after vaccination.

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Minister Mkhize says he will make an announcement soon about the resumption of the rollout of the J&J vaccine.