Ladysmith KZN: MEC explains 42-day Covid-19 vaccination interval

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Ms Nomagugu Simelane has explained the lengthened interval between taking the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19). Her explanation is aimed at clearing up the confusion that currently exists, particularly among elderly people.

“Senior citizens arrive at the vaccination sites and get given a date that appears to be in the distant future and they don’t understand why,” said the MEC.

She added that, ”Although it was initially said that the interval between the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine should be 21 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Department of Health have said that this can be extended to 42 days – especially if there are challenges with the supply of vaccine doses.”

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”We want to ensure that as many people as possible get the vaccine so they can benefit from it. We are also appealing to younger people who are techno-savvy to help the elderly with registration, and to the staff at our health facilities to assist the elderly with registration when they get to the vaccination stations,” concluded the MEC.

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