Thread by @miamalan

[Thread] 1. What's happening with #COVID vaccine boosters in SA?

Nicholas Crisp, @heatlhza:
1. SA = not yet vaccinated enough people to focus on boosters for large groups of people
2. HCWs = special group as they get exposed to #COVIVD19 more so their infection risk = higher

2. Crisp:
1. Some #HealthWorkers vaccinated in the #Sisonke trial were vaccinated 8 months ago, so they may need booster shots
2. They will receive 2nd #JnJ doses in a study starting in Nov

3. What about people with weak immune systems who may need boosters?
Crisp:
The MAC has advised that people with a specific set of immunocompromised conditions get a 3rd #Pfizer/2nd #JnJ dose 28 days after they were fully vaccinated. This is not a booster, but an extra dose.

4. What is the difference between a booster and additional dose?

1. Boosters are given 6-8 months after full vaccination
2. Additional doses for people with immunocompromised conditions are given much sooner after full vaccinations (in SA's case, 28 days)

6. Which immunocompromised conditions qualify 4 additional doses?

People with:

1. Solid solid organ transplants (solid = kidney, liver, intestines, heart, lung and pancreas)
2. Cancer, incl blood cancer
3. HIV, who are not responding 2 treatment
4. Primary Immune Deficiency

7. What is Primary Immune Deficiency (PI)? [nr 4 in previous tweet]?

It's when your immune system doesn't work correctly. People with PI are more likely to get and become severely ill from infections.
More here: mayocl.in/3ny3P00

8. How will you know if your condition is on @healthza's list of conditions that qualify for extra #COVID19 vaccine doses?
1. @healthza will issue a circular with a list of the conditions
2. The circular will be finalised today, but the implementation date is not yet finalised

9. What procedure do you need to follow to get an extra #COVID19 jab (once it's been implemented)?

Your doctor will need to fill out a form to explain why you need it (@heatlhza is finalising the form today)