THE South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee have reassured the public that both the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccines are safe to use.
Both vaccines were subjected to rigorous requirements, where clinical trials were performed to demonstrate their safety before being cleared for usage in the country.
National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee member, Professor Hannelie Meyer, on Wednesday said data currently suggests that less than 10% of those who get vaccinated will experience adverse events like headaches, fever and chills.
Related story: SAMA condemns healthcare workers discouraging patients from getting vaccinated
“[These] don’t pose a potential risk to the person and it’s part of the body’s immune response. It’s also important to note that it’s not the same in all people. These events are mild. They happen within the first couple of hours and they hardly ever need any management,” Meyer said.
She said although certain adverse events are more common, if these symptoms exceed a certain period of time, medical help should be sought.
“You should not assume that all reactions are linked to the vaccine. We are now vaccinating millions of people and there are many other diseases. So you could be incubating another disease at the same time that you are vaccinated. [But] if these minor events don’t subside within the first two to three days or if they become more severe, or if there is something out of the ordinary that you are concerned about within the 30 days after vaccination, then you do need to seek medical assistance,” Meyer said.
The authority is expected to launch a microsite on Friday, where more information on adverse events can be accessed.
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Second chance to send mail to Australia opens up
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In the first repatriation flight this year, 1 387 kilograms of mail was sent to Australia.
A SECOND repatriation flight to Australia, via Qantas, has been scheduled and SA Post Office said this has created a second chance for its customers to send through postal items to the Land Down Under.
In the first repatriation flight in August this year, 1 387 kilograms of mail was sent to Australia. To have mail added to the flight, the post office said all items destined for Australia must be handed in at their local post office by September 7.
ALSO READ: Post Office confirms list of countries accepting South African mail
“No items containing liquids, animal or plant products, medication or drugs may be posted. Items under pressure, such as aerosols which could explode in an unpressurised aircraft, may not be posted. All outgoing parcels are x-rayed to check the contents for banned items,” said the SA Post Office’s Nobuhle Njapha.
Njapha noted that once the repatriation plane departs, Australia will once again be closed to postal imports and exports.
* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader, As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19. Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
