The coronavirus disease (COVID–19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered virus that has now reached all countrys in the world. On this page you will find recently updated numbers and live statistics for your country. Find relevant vaccine information and instrucitons on how to get a vaccine locally.
South Africa Covid Statistics – Live Updates
South Africa Covid Vaccine Information
As of february 2021, South Africa has begun Covid-19 Johnson & Johnson vaccinations following the suspension of an earlier plan to use the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. According to President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa has secured target doses for the target population of 40 million.
The vaccine strategy and plan for South Africa can be found on the South African Government COVID 19 page. Summary:
- South Africa will begin with the estimated 1.25 million healthcare workers
- South Africa has also reached an agreement with the COVAX Facility to secure vaccines to immunise 10% of the population
- These doses are expected at the beginning of second quarter of the year.
- The plan is to work with pharmaceuticals companies to immunise 67% of the population by the end of 2021
See the roll-out phases here.
About the coronavirus vaccine
Several efficient vaccines have been developed in late 2019 and early 2020. These vaccines are currently being distributed on a world-wide scale in different paces depending on country. Vaccination is first and foremost recommended for persons with conditions that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19. Those conditions include cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes.
The COVID vaccines is made up of weakened or inactive parts of the organism that will trigger an immune response within the body. This weakened version will not cause the disease in the person but will prompt the immune system to respond. This response from the immune system then constitutues an effective defense again an actual infection later on. Some vaccines require multiple doses, given weeks or months apart, others need only be taken once.
When many people in a community are vaccinated, the virus (called pathogen) has a hard time circulating because it encounters mostly immune people. This is what is sometimes referred to as “herd immunity”.
Vaccines have been made by 4 large vaccine makers, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. The vaccines are reported to have a +95% effectiveness.
Last year, The African Union established the “African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team” to secure vaccine doses for the continent of Africa.
About COVID 19
COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new virus, scientists are learning more each day. Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause severe illness and even death. Some groups, including older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk of severe illness.
Recommended links
- Worldometer Corona Statistics (Worldometer)
- Frequently asked questions (CDC.Gov)
- Coronavirus Vaccines (WHO.org)
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