1 452 health care workers had received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine during the phase one roll out at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital, last week.
THE MEC for Health Maruping Lekwene has urged more health care workers to register on the government;s electronic vaccination data system.
He stated that 1 452 health care workers had received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine during the phase one roll out at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe hospital, last week.
He said that according to research the Johnson and Johnson vaccine provided 57 percent protection against moderate to severe disease, 85 percent protection against severe disease and 100 percent protection against dying.
“The Northern Cape received a total of 3 902 vaccine doses from the 80 000 Johnson and Johnson vaccine that arrived in South Africa last week.”
Lekwene indicated that those who had received the vaccine had reported experiencing side effects including headaches, muscle pains or chills.
“These symptoms are normal and means the body’s immune system is reacting to the vaccine that is new in the body. This is what people need and it is evidence the vaccine is working.”
He added that he had not suffered any mild or severe symptoms, since taking the jab.
“It was important for me to lead by example and inoculate publicly, so as to ensure that more of our front line staff are encouraged to vaccinate.” Lekwene said
Lekwene stated that there were currently 33 636 people who had tested positive for Covid-19 in the Province with 30 199 people who had recovered.
“So far, 663 deaths were recorded due to Covid-19 complications. This leaves the Province with 2 772 active cases and a 90 percent recovery rate.”
He urged members of the community to continue wearing masks even if they had been vaccinated.
