EFF on Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine: We warned you

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has pulled the “we told you” card on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s administration, following Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize’s briefing on Sunday.

Mkhize announced the pausing of the rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine following a clinical trial showing the doses were ineffective on about 2000 patients infected with the newer strain of Covid-19.

The efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine dropped to 22% against the 501.V2 variant.

The EFF said it warned government about this, but was never taken seriously.

“When the new variant was reported in mid-December, the EFF raised concerns over the efficacy of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines on it. However, true to this administration’s incompetence, our concerns were never taken seriously.

“We warned that before procurement of the vaccine, there must be scientific certainty of its efficacy. The procurement of the vaccine should have been halted immediately to scientifically ascertain its efficacy,” said the party.

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It has called for the immediate consolidation and further research on the efficacy of vaccines on the South African strain 501.V2/B.1.351 by all manufacturers that government had entered into agreements with.

“There must be accountability given to our people on why a vaccine expiring before our phase one rollout strategy was procured for twice than it was sold in European countries.

“As a country we must be embarrassed by the PR exercise that took place at OR Tambo on 1 February by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his ministers welcoming a vaccine with no efficacy for our context. They must be ashamed for dangerously embarrassing South Africa,” said the party.

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Mkhize’s announcement has been met with disappointment and anger among South Africans, who have also accused the government of incompetence.

Some have, however, defended government, saying it is fighting against a moving target, and could not have known that the vaccine would be inefficient.

Compiled by Vhahangwele Nemakonde

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