Durban North triathlete among Olympic, Paralympic athletes to receive vaccine

According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the vaccination of these athletes, although not compulsory, will take place at various vaccination sites throughout the country.

Durban North resident and triathlete, Henri Schoeman, has urged residents to get vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. The 2016 Olympic medalist was vaccinated last week.

SOUTH African elite athletes will be vaccinated through the Sisonke Study ahead of international sporting events including the Tokyo Games kicking off in July.

This comes after the approval granted by the South African Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) to make available a ‘modest’ number of the remaining Covid-19 Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine doses to support the nation before they expire.

According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the vaccination of these athletes, although not compulsory, will take place at various vaccination sites throughout the country.

One of those athletes who has already been vaccinated is Durban North triathlete and 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, Henri Schoeman.

“I was vaccinated last Friday and I felt bit of fatigue and a slight headache for two days after but nothing major. I’m really happy I’ve been vaccinated especially as athletes we tend to travel out the country more regularly so I feel a lot better about travelling to Tokyo. I would encourage others to get the vaccine as its the surest way to secure some type of herd immunity,” he said.

The SAMRC said the move to inoculate elite athletes was announced by the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, when he launched the national vaccination rollout programme.

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