By being vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also those in the community who cannot be vaccinated. Currently, people 60 years and older are registering to be vaccinated. Remember, vaccination is voluntary and free. Jana van Wyk, the deputy director: Pharmaceutical Services, Fezile Dabi Health Services, leads a weekly information session to address the most frequently asked questions. She answered the following last week.
1. I take Ivermectin as a prophy-lactic treatment. Should I still be vaccinated?
SAHPRA has approved Ivermectin to treat Covid-19 and not to prevent it. However, very limited clinical data is available to support the use of Ivermectin. All medicines have possible side effects. It is better to be vaccinated than take medicine unnecessarily with unknown side effects. Viruses can adapt and mutate with the irrational use of medicines. The short answer is – yes; get vaccinated and discontinue the use of Ivermectin as a prophylactic treatment.
2. Will the Vovid-19 vaccine interfere with my DNA?
No. This was tested while developing the vaccines. As safety is of utmost importance, these tests were continuously conducted during the pre-clinical trial (non-human subjects), and also during phase 1 of the clinical trial on humans.
3. Should I get my flu shot or Covid jab first?
It is your choice, but since we have entered the third Covid infection wave in the Free State (as per the FS MEC for Health on 6 May 2021) it is advisable to first get your Covid vaccine if you are currently eligible. Wait 14 days and then get your flu vaccine.
4. Should I still get my flu shot?
Yes. Different vaccines protect against different viruses. Different viruses have different proteins on their surfaces which activate the immune system. Each vaccine is formulated to protect against a specific virus. The Covid vaccine protects against SARS Cov-virus. The flu vaccine protects against the influenza virus. Remember to wait at least 14 days between getting any two vaccines.
5. If I am prone to blood clots and take chronic medication for this, can I get vaccinated?
Yes. Like any other chronic condition, if your condition is controlled, it is safe for you to get the Covid vaccine. However, we do recommend that you consult your doctor before being vacci-nated to make an informed decision regarding the risks involved. You can also phone the Sisonke Desk toll-free 24/7 on 0800 014 956.
6. What is my risk of developing blood clots when vaccinated?
Developing unusual blood clotting from the vaccines is extremely rare. As of 12 April 2021, zero out of 289,787 people in South Africa presented with blood clotting as an effect of the Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine. Globally, six out of 6,8 million people presented with blood clotting as an effect of the Covid vaccine. To date, another two cases have been reported in North America and none in South Africa.
7. How do I register for vaccination online?
Log in to the electronic vaccination data system on https://vaccine.enroll.health.gov.za by using your mobile phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
* Enter your SA ID number
* Enter your personal details * Enter your employment and medical aid details (if applicable). If you have no medical aid – no hassle.
* Select your primary location of work.
* Confirm your acceptance of terms and condition and click
* Submit registration. You can also register via USSD or WhatsApp. Data or internet access is required to register on Whatsapp.
* Send the word REGISTER to 060 012 3456 on WhatsApp.
* Answer all the questions relating to your details in the vaccine registration secure chat.
* When done, you will receive confirmation that you are registered and in the system’s queue. Registering via USSD is free on all SA mobile networks.
* Dial *134*832*ID Number# If you have no ID number, just dial
*134*832#
* Follow the prompts on the screen. Provide all the details the system requires.
* When done, you will see a final message confirming that you are registered and in the system’s queue. You are now all set to receive your vaccine. If you are unable to register, go to your nearest vaccination site for assistance.
8. Which vaccine will I receive?
Ngwathe residents will receive the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine recommended for distribution in rural areas. The two-dose Pfizer vaccine is recommended for urban, high-demand sites. The cold chain and expected popu- lation coming for vaccination are crucial when considering the cold chain storage of a vaccine. The aim is to vaccinate 67 per cent of the adult population in Fezile Dabi. In Ngwathe’s case. that means 53,053 adults out of the adult population of 79,183. As of 6 May, 2,424 healthcare workers had been vaccinated in Fezile Dabi.
9. What can I expect after being vaccinated?
Either no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms, which usually subside within 1–2 days. These symptoms could include pain, redness or swelling at the site of the injection, fever or chills, fatigue, muscle pain or a headache. However, should you have difficulty breathing, severe and rapidly spreading rash or a severe headache that does not subside with painkillers, you should consult your doctor.
10. Which age group will be vaccinated now?
The registration for vaccination of people 60 years and older has started and the vaccinations will start on 17 May. Thereafter, vaccination will follow for people 50 years and older, then 40 years and older, then the 18 plus popu- lation, and then the mop-up of the vaccination campaign.
11. Where will the vaccination stations be in Parys, Vredefort, Koppies, Viljoenskroon and Heilbron?
Parys – The community hall, Tumahole; Master Nakedi Sports Centre, Tumahole, Forum Building, mobile clinic Viljoenskroon – Mpatalatsane Com- munity hall; mobile clinic Koppies – The community hall, Kwakwatsi; mobile clinic Vredefort – The multi-purpose centre; Ramotshedisi Trading CCMDD Pick-up Point Heilbron – The community hall Heilbron; Community hall Phiritona; mobile clinic.
