THE Department of Health has announced changes to the vaccination programme as part of ongoing efforts to increase uptake of the Covid-19 vaccine in South Africa.
The changes, which have been guided by scientific evidence, include the reduction of the time interval between the first and second doses of Pfizer from 42 days to 21 days, with effect from Wednesday, 23 February 2022.
“Firstly, all individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer vaccine, meaning they have received both doses, will now be eligible for booster dose 90 days (or three months) after the second dose, instead of the current 180 days (or six months) interval.
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“Secondly, all individuals older than 18 years of age who have received one dose of the Covid-19 J&J vaccine will, with effect from Monday, 21 February be eligible to receive a booster dose of the same vaccine or a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine after an interval of two months (60 days),” department spokesperson, Foster Mohale said.
The public is reminded that all adverse effects following immunisation must be reported to their nearest vaccination site or Covid-19 Public Hotline 0800 029 999.
Meanwhile, the department is updating the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) to enable individuals who received their primary Covid-19 vaccinations outside South Africa but are eligible to receive a booster dose, to be registered on the system to receive the booster dose.
More information regarding the date at which the functionality to record such doses on the EVDS will be communicated once this is finalised and available on the EVDS.
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