South africa yellow fever vaccination

SOUTH Africa has suspended its rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine after a study revealed the drug failed to stop some cases of a new mutant strain. A trial showed the jab provides only "minimal" protection against mild to moderate Covid-19 caused by the variant first detected in the virus-ravaged country - but it does help to stop the most serious infections. ???? Read our coronavirus liv e blog for the latest news & updates The news is seen as a setback in the global fight against the pandemic as many poorer nations are relying on the logistical advantages offered by the AstraZeneca shot. Africa's hardest-hit nation was due to start its campaign in the coming days with a million doses but the government decided to hold off in light of the trial conducted by the University of Witatersrand in Johannesburg. "It's a temporary issue...until we figure out these issues," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters last night. The country's government … [Read more...] about South Africa halts AstraZeneca vaccine rollout after research showed jab failed to stop mild cases of new mutant strain

South Africa will suspend the start of its Covid-19 vaccinations with the AstraZeneca jab after a study showed the drug failed to prevent mild and moderate cases of the virus variant that has appeared in the country. Africa's hardest-hit nation was due to start its campaign in the coming days with a million doses of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford. The suspension marks an important setback for the country, but officials said vaccine deliveries from other producers would soon be available and allow the campaign to move forward. 'It's a temporary issue that we have to hold on AstraZeneca until we figure out these issues,' Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told reporters during a virtual press conference. The special infection unit in the city of Tshwane, South Africa pushes a man showing symptoms of Covid-19 inside an ambulance The University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, which conducted the trial, said in a statement on Sunday that the AstraZeneca vaccine 'provides … [Read more...] about South Africa suspends rollout of Oxford/AstraZeneca Covid jab after research showed it failed to prevent mild cases of mutant virus

South Africa on Sunday said it would suspend its rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine after initial trials showed "disappointing" results against the B.1.351 variant of COVID-19 . The country has received 1 million doses of the jab. It had planned to start using it to vaccinate frontline healthcare workers from mid-February.  The study, involving around 2,000 people, found the vaccine offered "minimal protection" against mild and moderate cases of COVID-19. It has not yet been peer-reviewed. Zweli Mkhize, South Africa's health minister, says that frontline health workers will receive jabs produced by other manufacturers instead. "We have decided to put a temporary hold on the rollout of the (AstraZeneca) vaccine. More work needs to be done," said South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. Scientists will be studying whether or not the AstraZeneca vaccine is effective in preventing severe disease and death against the new variant, Mkhize said. South Africa still eyes … [Read more...] about South Africa suspends rollout of Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine

World Cup winner Faf de Klerk says he will support switching the Lions tour away from South Africa if that is the only way to save it. The Lions board meet today to try to find a way to keep the eight-match tour alive with no end in sight to the global pandemic. Having fans travel to South Africa before a vaccine programme is rolled out there seems unthinkable, staging games behind closed doors is financially unviable. Postponing for a year is problematic, with national teams already booked into tours tailored to fine-tuning their 2023 World Cup preparations. Which appears to leave two options: cancellation or moving the series to the UK and Ireland. Sale Sharks star De Klerk said: “Cancellation would be truly devastating. The Lions is a once in a lifetime opportunity. “Obviously everybody wants it to be played in South Africa, 100 per cent I do. It would be an amazing, iconic tour. “But if it can’t be there and it can happen somewhere else then that would still be a … [Read more...] about Faf de Klerk: South Africa is the dream but I’ll play anywhere to save Lions series

Public Health England has uncovered a total of 170 confirmed or probable cases of the South Africa variant of coronavirus that appears less susceptible to vaccines. Routine and surge testing revealed 151 cases in England, six in Scotland and 13 in Wales, according to Dr Susan Hopkins, PHE’s strategic response director, who described the numbers as “reassuring” because they suggest the variant has not taken hold in the UK. Scientists are keeping a watchful eye on the South Africa variant, named B1351 or 501YV2, because it could undermine efforts to contain the epidemic with vaccines should it spread more widely. Of the 170 cases, 18 are not linked to international travel, suggesting they were caught in the community. This week, South Africa paused its rollout of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine after the results from a small trial in young people, yet to be published, suggested the jab prevented only 10% of mild or moderate disease caused by the variant. Public health … [Read more...] about UK total of 170 cases of South Africa Covid variant ‘reassuring’