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It became apparent soon after COVID-19 turned into a global pandemic that our only shot of beating it would be the rollout of vaccines, which, when enough of a given population received them, would create a kind of herd immunity.

The race to develop vaccines was on, and while in the initial stages it was predicted that it could take up to two years to perfect one, we’re now looking at several options, ready to be distributed – provided they can be accessed.

Unlike many other countries, South Africa hasn’t been able to buy vaccines en masse, and to date, not a single dose has made it to our shores.

A lack of clarity surrounding the acquisition and distribution of vaccines compounded by a general mistrust of the government following corruption scandals at the start of the lockdown has also led to widespread criticism.

AFP reports that President Ramaphosa has responded to this with a three-phase vaccination blueprint for the year ahead.

First in line will be around 1,2 million health professionals, followed by 16 million elderly and vulnerable citizens (this is similar to the rollout plan in other countries like the UK and US).

The third phase will see the remaining 22,5 million adults getting the jab, which would bring us up to 40 million, or around two-thirds of the population.

Timing? Suppliers? Logistics?

Will the vaccine be mandatory?

All of the above remains unclear and some healthcare professionals aren’t convinced that it’s going to pan out well:

“That would mean we would have to vaccinate 150,000 people every day for the next 12 months,” said Angelique Coetzee, head of the South African Medical Association.

“It’s unrealistic,” she added. “We do not have that capacity. Who is going to vaccinate all these people?”

Meanwhile, the Western Cape government has developed a strategy to ensure the efficient, safe, and ethical distribution of the vaccine when it arrives in the province.

“We have already started the work to put the correct systems in place to manage this massive operation”, said Premier Alan Winde in a statement, as reported by Cape Town Etc.

The vaccine strategy in the Western Cape also involves three phases:

The first phase will see the vaccination of approximately 100 000 healthcare workers in both the public and private sectors. These will also include health science students, community healthcare workers, and care workers. Workers administering the vaccine will also be vaccinated.

Phase two involves the inoculation of essential workers such as those who work in care homes (important because the elderly are vulnerable), people over 60 years of age, and anyone over the age of 18 who suffers from co-morbidities.

Phase three targets the general population limited to adults over the age of 18 because the vaccine has not been tested for safety on children. It has also not been tested for safety on pregnant women so they, along with children, will not receive the vaccination.

“The next step is the creation of a vaccination register which will be similar to a voters role and list those who require vaccinating. In this regard, we have started consultations with the IEC to share information about the systems they use.”

Similar to some COVID-19 testing stations, you’ll have to register, following which you will receive an appointment time and date. You’ll sign a consent form, receive your first dose, and set up and appointment to receive the second dose.

Winde says that they will also be putting data systems in place to track the progress of the rollout and “vaccine coverage at an individual and community level”, which the Department of Health suggests is implemented through a computer application system.

Should there be any delays, the Western Cape Government has its own systems in place to deal with it.

“The process of vaccinating enough people to achieve “herd immunity” is a mammoth one and will require careful management, as well as the support of the public and private sectors as well as civil society.”

You can read more of Winde’s statement here.

The Premier stressed that the promise of incoming vaccines should not be an invitation to relax PPE or physical distancing measures.

As it stands, there is extreme pressure on the healthcare system, and we have to stay vigilant.

[sources:afp&capetownetc]