The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says due to predictions that a 4th coronavirus wave is expected to hit the country during the festive season healthcare workers will be the first to receive a Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shot.
The Sisonke 2 booster trial is set to kick off soon for healthcare workers, who only received one vaccine shot at the start of South Africa’s vaccination programme.
Members of the public who also received J&J vaccines will eventually receive their booster shot once the trial is underway.
South Africa COVID-19 update with Dr Nicholas Crisp:
Sisonke participants will receive an SMS notifying them of when they can get their vaccine.
SAMA’s Chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee says, “The general population is not yet at 6 months, so they are still safe for now. That is why we start with the healthcare workers. We are nearly moving into December which is overdue.”
“We expect the fourth wave to be around December/January with all the people travelling and it might be a problem. Some people also travel overseas and currently in Europe, it is not a great time,” she adds.
Below is the interview with Dr Angelique Coetzee:
