SAMA calls for govt to administer booster shots for frontliners
The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has called for healthcare workers to get vaccine booster shots.
SAMA chairperson Angelique Coetzee says the association is concerned about research that shows the immunity and efficacy of a single dose vaccination is unknown.
According to Coetzee, the research also shows that a single Johnson & Johnson vaccine only provides good immunity up to eight months at most.
"It's critical, in our view, that booster shots be administered to all doctors and healthcare workers as a matter of routine, and as early as is needed. These are people who are literally on the frontline of a war, and who have made enormous sacrifices to assist others.
"It's our duty and the duty of authorities, to ensure these brave men and women receive the best possible protection they can, which is possible through authorizing booster shots."
Frontline workers were the first in line to get the jab in February under the Sisonke 3B implementation study.
"Resources, both human and operational, are already stretched and the battles against Covid-19, especially during the first three waves, have exacted a further heavy toll. Doctors are emotionally strained, and we are still receiving information on burnout among many of our colleagues.
"Booster doses will go a long way to send a message to doctors that they are being supported, and that their efforts are being recognised," Coetzee adds.
While more than 20 million doses have been administered since the start of the year; the country's vaccine drive has slowed in recent months.
"In light of the fact that vaccines are in good supply, and that providing booster shots will not dent supply to those who need their first shots."
"We still need to focus on getting as many South Africans vaccinated as possible and we will support those efforts. But vaccine supply is not constrained and some of those which are available must be given to the people who face this pandemic head-on every day without diverting anything from the public.," says Coetzee.
Government opened the vaccination drive to minors between the ages of 12 and 17 on Wednesday.
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