Thread by @miamalan

BREAKING [Thread] 1. @SAHPRA1 has approved a 2nd dose of #JnJ and heterologous (mix/match) booster for adults:

1. If u had a JnJ jab, u can get a booster @ least 2 mnths after 1 JnJ shot
2. If u had a #Pfizer jab, u can get a JnJ booster @ least 6 mnths after a 2nd Pfizer jab

2. Does @SAHPRA1's approval mean you can have a #Pfizer booster after a #JnJ shot?

NO. It’s only the other way around (a #JnJ booster after a 2nd #Pfizer shot) that has been approved as a “mix and match” booster.

3. Why does @sahpra1’s “mix and match” approval not allow for a #Pfizer booster after a #JnJ shot?

Pfizer hasn’t submitted data to Sahpra for approval (#JnJ submitted the data 4 a #JnJ booster after #Pfizer).

4. Can @healthza make a policy decision to allow for a “mix and match” approach so that people who had a #JnJ jab can get a #Pfizer booster?

Yes. Technically, they don’t need @sahpra1’s approval for such a policy. But they’ve been cautious. Why? (See next tweet)

5. #Pfizer's vaccine only has Section 21 (emergency use) authorisation at this stage. Typically when @HealthZA makes policy decisions without @SAHPRA1 approval, it’s when a medicine has been fully registered.

6. Will @HealthZA allow for mix/match boosters in 2021? @healthza says no, not yet, they first want to consult with the MAC in 2022 about mixing + matching and then make a decision (just because @SAHPRA1 approved something, doesn't mean @healthza has to do it).

7. What about #Sisonke trial participants who got a #JnJ shot + want a #Pfizer booster? @HealthZA says Sisonke will open up an arm that will test a Pfizer booster after a JnJ shot in early 2022. Participants will be able to access Pfizer boosters that way (in a research setting).

8. What other #COVID19 booster approvals has @Sahpra1 issued?

On 8 Dec Sahpra approved a 3rd #Pfizer dose for adults after a completed primary vaccination schedule. What does this mean?

If you’re 18+, you can get a #Pfizer booster shot 6 months after your 2nd #Pfizer shot.

9. So what are your booster options in SA (in theory, because @HealthZA isn't implementing "mixing and matching" yet) if you were vaccinated with #Pfizer?

1. A 3rd Pfizer shot 6 months after your 2nd Pfizer shot
2. A #JnJ shot 6 months after your 2nd Pfizer shot

10. What are your booster options if you were vaccinated with #JnJ?

At this stage, @sahpra has only approved a JnJ booster for people who have been vaccinated with JnJ (so a JnJ booster two months after your 1st JnJ shot).

11. Are the #Pfizer + #JnJ booster shots the same as the shots used for primary vaccination schedules?

Yes.

The booster shots have the same ingredients and dose as those received for vaccination.

12. When can you get a #COVID19 vaccine booster?

1. #Pfizer: The 1st group qualifies on 28 Dec (we only started vaccinating on 17 May and you can get a booster 6 months after a 2nd shot)
2. #JnJ: Many people qualify already; you can get a booster shot 2 months after a 1st shot

13. Does it mean because u technically qualify 4 a booster shot u can go 2 a #VaccineRollOut site + get 1 today?

No.

@HealthZA will start announce start dates later 2day (likely = late Dec)
Remember, at this stage, u can only get a homologous booster, so no "mix/match" yet)

14. Will a booster shot still work if you take it more than 2 months after you had your 1st shot?

Yes. @sahpra1 says there’s enough data to show that it will still be effective. Two months = the earliest that you can have it after your 1st shot.

bit.ly/33Mbvpj

15. Why should you get a booster #COVID19 vaccine shot?

1. Research shows the immunity that vaccines provide wanes over time (6-8 months after your last shot, depending on which jab you got).
2. A booster shot restores the waning immunity.
bit.ly/3H49JOP

16. For how long do #COVID19 vaccine booster shots work?
1. We don’t yet know, as countries that have already started with booster shots have only been doing so for 1-2 months.
2. Scientists can only measure for how long the booster shots provide immunity as the time goes by.

17. Do #COVID19 vaccine booster shots mean jabs don’t work?
No. Boosters shots = not new. Almost every single childhood vaccine you get require a booster (or several booster) shots.
Examples:
- The pneumococcal conjugate jab = 3 doses
- The hexavalent 6-in-1 jab = 4 doses

18. What about #Omicron and boosters?
1. Early data shows Omicron can outsmart your antibodies (at least partly), so you can get infected easier
2. Pfizer studies show a 3rd shot restores that protection
bit.ly/3yQJSae