Thread by @miamalan

[Thread] 1. From TODAY (1 Dec) adults in SA with certain conditions that weaken their immune systems can access an additional #COVID19 vaccine dose. How do you get a dose? Your doctor/nurse needs to fill out a form. Download it here:
bit.ly/31jRuW4

2. You need to register on the #EVDS for an additional dose and take the form that your doc/nurse filled out with you to the vaccination site. Here's how it works:

3. Which conditions qualify?
1. Haematological or immune malignancy
2. Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency disorder
3. HIV infection with CD4 count < 200 cells/µL within the last 6 months
4. Asplenia

Source: bit.ly/31jRuW4

4. People on these treatments also qualify for additional #COVID19 vaccine doses:

1. High dose steroids or systemic biologics (e.g. for autoimmune conditions)
2. Long term renal dialysis
3. Transplant recipients (solid organ or bone marrow)

Source: bit.ly/31jRuW4

5. Are additional vaccine doses boosters? No.

They're called additional doses because they're 4 people with immune systems so weak that the normal nr of doses = not sufficient. These doses = part of the primary vaccination schedule 4 such people.

More: bit.ly/3obEmvc

6. Why don't all people with #COVID19 comorbidities get extra doses?

Not all people's immune systems = so weak that the normal nr of doses don't work well enough. Extra doses = not given because the efficacy of jabs wane over time, but because of very weak immune systems.

7. Is the time frame for when to take an additional dose the same as for boosters? No.

E.g.: A #Pfizer booster (3rd shot), is normally taken 6 months after the 2nd shot. An extra Pfizer dose can be taken from 28 days onwards after the 2nd shot.

Source: bit.ly/31jRuW4

8. Can teens (between 12 and 17 years) get additional doses? No. Only adults (people of 18+) in SA qualify at this stage.

Source: bit.ly/31jRuW4

9. Can you mix and match doses for an additional doses in SA? Not at this stage.

- If you had 2 #Pfizer shots, you need to take a 3rd Pfizer shot.
- If you had 1 #JnJ shot, you need to take a 2nd JnJ shot.

Source: bit.ly/31jRuW4

10. When will #COVID19 vaccine boosters become available in SA?
@healthza:
1. Sahpra's decision re #Pfizer's booster application expected soon (no boosters can be rolled out without approval)
2. The vaccine MAC's recommendation to @healthza re boosters = expected this week

11. Who will receive #COVID19 vaccine boosters first in SA?

@healthza says:
Boosters will be phased in, starting with boosters for people of 60 years and older.