South Africa Resumes Johnson & Johnson Vaccine for Healthcare Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Strategic Insights -

The South African government has resumed administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to healthcare workers, over two weeks after a temporary pause due to concerns over rare blood clots. The decision was made after the country's drug regulatory body determined that the vaccine is safe, and the cabinet approved its resumption. The move comes as the country prepares to launch a mass vaccination drive, starting with those 60 years and older, on May 17.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused for over two weeks due to concerns over rare blood clots, but the South African government has determined that it is safe for use.
  • The vaccine is the best against the COVID-19 variant dominant in South Africa, according to Health Minister Zweli Mkhize.
  • More than 290,000 shots of the J&J vaccine had been administered to healthcare workers before the pause, and the government is urging all healthcare workers to get vaccinated.
  • There is a "one in a million chance" of getting a blood clot from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, according to Mkhize.
  • The South African government will strengthen screening and monitoring of participants at high risk of blood clotting disorders after the vaccination.
  • The country aims to vaccinate 40 million of its 60 million people by February next year.
  • Over 3,300 vaccination sites are being set up across the country for the upcoming mass vaccination drive.

Statistics:

  • Over 1.5 million COVID-19 cases have been reported in South Africa, accounting for more than 30% of Africa's 4.5 million cases.
  • South Africa has reported 54,237 deaths, accounting for more than 40% of Africa's 120,802 deaths.
  • The country aims to vaccinate 40 million of its 60 million people by February next year.
  • More than 3,300 vaccination sites are being set up across the country.
  • The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been administered to over 7 million people in the United States, providing protection against COVID-19.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press, Mogomotsi Magome, "South Africa resumes giving Johnson & Johnson vaccine to healthcare workers"
  • The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "COVID-19 in Africa"