Department of Health Launches J&J Booster Shots, Under 12s Still Can’t Get Vaccinated

• The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority has approved the Johnson and Johnson booster shot
• From today, South African adults who received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine no more than two months ago can get their booster jab
• Dr Joe Phaala has said that vaccines for children younger than 12 years old are still in the trial phase

JOHANNESBURG - Adults who received their Johnson & Johnson vaccine no later than two months ago are now eligible for a booster shot. From today (24 December) those who fit in this category can go to vaccination sites to receive their booster jabs.

The J&J booster shot has been approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). They have also approved the Pfizer booster vaccine for adults who received their second dose no sooner than six months prior.

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Dr Nicholas Crisp, the Health Department's Deputy Director-General. said that the J&J booster shot is available sooner than the Pfizer one because it is a single dose vaccine and therefore requires a boost sooner than Pfizer, SABC News reports.

Vaccines for kids still off the table

Dr Joe Phaala, the Minister of Health, said that South Africa is yet to approve a Covid-19 vaccine for use on children aged 12 and under. Phaala made this statement in response to fears about the Omicron variant's prevalence in this age group and the need for protection.

Trials for vaccines that could potentially be given to this age group are currently underway. The results are expected to be released early next year. Once the results come back then the regulatory approval process can begin, according to IOL.

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“Decisions to vaccinate young children in South Africa will require approval by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, and will be guided by recommendations of the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee," Dr Phaala said.

Reactions to J&J booster shot launch

@mlilo01 asked:

"I thought booster shots are made from the same ingredients as vaccines? The first time vaccinee(if there's ever the word) and the person who should receive a booster shot will be given the same medication."

@Benjaminolifan6 believes:

"A booster shot is a clear example that the vaccine doesn't work give up please."

@ZIPME1 said:

"So the other side will from now, again and forever will be living life of vaccines and boosters? I am glad that my life is different from theirs. Kunzima."

@LionelMangalie shared:

"Thank you. Stay safe everyone. Happy Holidays."

@nuru_yochanan asked:

Why though?

Lesotho citizens working in SA have to be vaccinated if they want to go home

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In other vaccine news, Briefly News previously reported that Lesotho is now making it mandatory for citizens who have been working in neighbouring countries (such as South Africa) to be vaccinated before they make their way back home for the festive season.

The small country has instructed security forces to ensure that citizens who enter the country are fully inoculated. Starting in January 2022, the mountain region country will require all citizens to be vaccinated against the coronavirus to gain access to certain activities.

Citizens will also be obligated to present their vaccination cards to gain access to the workplace. The announcement was made by the Lesotho Minister of Health Semano Sekatle on Sunday during a television broadcast.

Source: Briefly News