KZN Health MEC explains new 42 - day COVID-19 vaccination interval

02 June 2021

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC has moved swiftly to explain the increased interval between taking the first and second dozes of the Pfizer vaccine.

This follows the emergence of anecdotal evidence showing a level of confusion, particularly among some elderly people.

"Although it was initially said that the interval between the first and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine should be 21 days, the World Health Organisation and the National Department of Health have said that this can be extended to 42 days - especially if there are challenges with the supply of the vaccine doses," said the MEC.

"This 42 - day interval will enable more people to get their first doses of the vaccine, and then the second when more doses become available."

"We are explaining this so as to eliminate confusion among elderly people, especially when they arrive at our sites and get given a date that appears to be distant."

"We want to ensure that as many people as possible get the vaccine, so that they can benefit from it. We are also appealing to younger people who are techno-savvy to help the elderly with registration, and to staff at our health facilities to assist the elderly with registration when they get there."

The Province of KwaZulu-Natal is doing extremely well and receiving accolades for its successful vaccination campaign, which is meant to save lives, and keep citizens safe from the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.

In less than two weeks since Phase 2 of the vaccination process began, the Province has exceeded targets, with more than 181 948 people aged 60 and above getting vaccinated from the 108 vaccination sites that have been established throughout the province. (The number of vaccination sites will be increased as more doses become available).

This is in addition to the 120 589 healthcare workers who have been vaccinated, with just 41 553 remaining, since Phase 1 of the programme was first launched on 18 February 2021

ENDS Issued by the KZN Department of Health

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This page last edited on 02 June, 2021

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