[THREAD] Recap: The #AstraZeneca vaccine did not protect against mild-to-moderate #COVID19sa caused by the new variant in South Africa, researchers announced this week. We don't know what this means for severe #COVID19 but what happens now with South Africa's rollout? 
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that given the new #AstraZeneca results, the health department will continue phase one using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which was shown to reduce a person's risk of moderate to serious disease caused by the new variant by ~60%
Pfizer vaccines will also rolled out. Government is also in advanced talks with Sputnik vaccine makers, this follows peer-reviewed results for the vaccine, which was found to be ~92% effective in preventing any #COVID19sa #COVID19 thelancet.com/action/showPdf…
The government remains in an advanced talk with Moderna for its two-dose #COVID19sa vaccine. The company has found that its vaccine also showed reduced efficacy in lab tests against the variant but Moderna is developing a booster to deal with this. #COVID19 #COVID19vaccine
Mkhize says South Africa is still determining how to use the #AstraZeneca vaccines. SOME of the options for existing stocks in South Africa:
1. Sell it to other countries
2. Use it in clinical trials
3. Swap it for another vaccine
Govt is consulting with WHO & #COVAX #COVID19sa
1. Sell it to other countries
2. Use it in clinical trials
3. Swap it for another vaccine
Govt is consulting with WHO & #COVAX #COVID19sa
What do you need to know about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being used now in the first phase of the rollout to healthcare workers?
1. It's safe
2. It reduced people’s risk moderate to serious #COVID19sa by about 60% in participants with the new variant.
1. It's safe
2. It reduced people’s risk moderate to serious #COVID19sa by about 60% in participants with the new variant.
What do you need to know about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine being used now in the first phase of the rollout to healthcare workers? #COVID19sa #COVID19
3. It has been shown to work among people over the age of 60
4. Not one person in the phase 3 trial died or was hospitalised
3. It has been shown to work among people over the age of 60
4. Not one person in the phase 3 trial died or was hospitalised
The J&J #COVID19sa vaccine was also tested in people with underlying health conditions as part of the largest phase 3 trial ever for a #COVID19vaccine. Basically, healthcare workers who are older or with underlying conditions should be confident in this jab. #COVID19
J&J has committed to not seeking profit on its vaccine in South Africa, trial co-chair Linda-Gail Bekker confirmed to @Afri_Alliance in early February #COVID19sa #COVID19 anchor.fm/africanallianc…
#COVID19vaccines will be free of charge in South Africa. If you are on medical aid, the government will claim back for your vaccine from your medical aid. #COVID19sa has already been made a prescribed minimum benefit, which means your medical aid must cover this. #COVID19
Initial J&J jabs may be free for South Africa as these may be included in existing clinical trials, Mkhize says. Read the early results from J&J's #COVID19sa vaccine study (No peer-reviewed findings yet) #COVID19
jnj.com/johnson-johnso…
jnj.com/johnson-johnso…
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