South Africa to look at Covid-19 vaccines for under-18s before end of October: health minister

[BusinessTech]

South Africa to look at Covid-19 vaccines for under-18s before end of October: health minister

The government is still focused on giving Covid-19 vaccines to older and at-risk South Africans, but will look at opening vaccinations to younger age groups, says Health minister Dr Joe Phaahla.

 

[rvZA]

Yeah, South Africa just waiting for the US FDA to approve theirs first, then they will follow. Luckilly approval was asked yesterday in the US, so SA should follow shortly.

 

[JohnStarr]

Mmm...they can't even vaccinate the adult population, how the hell are they going to try push this?

 

[krycor]

Mmm...they can't even vaccinate the adult population, how the hell are they going to try push this?

Most people who want the vaccine get it.. so I don’t see the issue.

I suspect this will be the 1st time they can’t just send nurses to do entire schools. It’s crazy how things have changed with attitudes around vaccines.

 

[Gordon_R]

I'm getting less and less convinced about the benefits of vaccination for low-risk (younger) sectors of the population. The reduction in transmission seems to be a marginal effect, and the need for booster doses makes this a moving target. At R1000 for two shots, this expensive vaccine does not seem to be a good way to spend money (in SA anyway).

Either that, or the headline is clickbait, there will be no actual rollout, and this approval is only relevant for those with diagnosed immunity disorders.

 

[rvZA]

I'm getting less and less convinced about the benefits of vaccination for low-risk (younger) sectors of the population. The reduction in transmission seems to be a marginal effect, and the need for booster doses makes this a moving target. At R1000 for two shots, this expensive vaccine does not seem to be a good way to spend money (in SA anyway).

Either that, or the headline is clickbait, there will be no actual rollout, and this approval is only relevant for those with diagnosed immunity disorders.

Interestingly, the US has started sounding the alarms about a huge increase in children infection, transmission, hospitalization and death, hence there was a big call from the government to start vaccination for children from birth.

 

[Johnatan56]

I'm getting less and less convinced about the benefits of vaccination for low-risk (younger) sectors of the population. The reduction in transmission seems to be a marginal effect, and the need for booster doses makes this a moving target. At R1000 for two shots, this expensive vaccine does not seem to be a good way to spend money (in SA anyway).

Either that, or the headline is clickbait, there will be no actual rollout, and this approval is only relevant for those with diagnosed immunity disorders.

New variants seem to have younger population more likely to get it.


Transmission reduction was a bit over half, also the viral load you carry is less and your body overcomes it more quickly, so shorter time period in which you can infect others.

There don't seem to be any long lasting negative effects, it will be fine to give to 12+ based on studies, so why not do it?

 

[Gordon_R]

New variants seem to have younger population more likely to get it.


Transmission reduction was a bit over half, also the viral load you carry is less and your body overcomes it more quickly, so shorter time period in which you can infect others.

There don't seem to be any long lasting negative effects, it will be fine to give to 12+ based on studies, so why not do it?

It's called a cost benefit analysis. We don't have unlimited funds, and there are a lot of other urgent priorities.

Is the money spent worthwhile? Could it be better used fighting other diseases? Would a cheaper vaccine be as effective?

 

[Johnatan56]

It's called a cost benefit analysis. We don't have unlimited funds, and there are a lot of other urgent priorities.

Is the money spent worthwhile? Could it be better used fighting other diseases? Would a cheaper vaccine be as effective?

Yes, and the cost-benefit analysis currently seems to be pro giving it to them.
Pfizer is $20/shot, so $40, Moderna is $15-40/shot, J&J $10. That compared to just one person in hospital is quite a bit cheaper, you're not going to get a cheaper vaccine just based on ingredients and logistics.