Thread by @miamalan

[Thread] 1. Why did the #Sisonke trial researchers broaden the definition of #HealthWorkers who can get vaccinated and are people using it to jump the queue (so are non-health workers queuing up to get vaccinated)?

2. The #JandJ doses for the #Sisonke study are research doses specifically donated to vaccinate trial participants (#HealthWorkers). The trial ends on 15 May and unused doses would have to be returned to J&J.
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

3. Because #Sisonke doses can only be used for the trial, leftover doses can't be given to Phase 1B (#HealthWorkers not covered by Sisonke) or Phase 2 (people of 60+) of the roll-out. Sisonke either has to use the doses/return leftover ones.
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

4. Important to note: It's the Sisonke trial date that ends on May 15, not the expiry date of the #JandJ vaccines. All studies have rules (called protocols) that stipulate who can participate, when the study begins and ends, etc.
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

5. Because there were 135 000 out of 500 000 doses left by 6 May, and only 9 days left to use them, #Sisonke broadened the definition of #HealthWorkers who can participate in the trial to health workers who are not directly patient-facing.
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

6. But then some people started to abuse the broadened #HealthWorker definition to jump the queue to get vaccinated. "It's unacceptable."
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

7. The abuse of the system has been confirmed by the WC health dpt, videos of non-#HealthWorkers getting vaccinated have been distributed on social media + @eNCA's @HeidiGiokos has reported on people of 60+ lining up at #CharlotteMaxeke. bit.ly/3hmh8PO

8. How do people abuse the system? They get family members or friends who are #HealthWorkers to write false letters that say they're health workers/support staff. Some people register on-site and say sites have allowed them to do so without letters.

9. The WC health dpt says the abuse isn't widespread and they're trying to stop it, at least in that province. "It's immoral for people to abuse the system and to jump the queue."
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt

10. Why are #HealthWorkers getting vaccinated first? Because they're the group of people - in any country - that's the most vulnerable to #SARSCoV2 (the virus that causes #COVID19) infection. Why? Because many of them deal with infected patients.

11. How will we prevent abuse of the system in the wider roll-out that starts on Mon? The system will work with age groups, starting with people of 60+. "The EVDS registers your age automatically from our ID nr, so it will be harder to cheat."
Source: Keith Cloete, WC health dpt