Unpacking SA’s vaccine plan

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize assures South Africans that one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine will be available this month, with 500 000 more next month, as experts weigh in on the country’s plan to tackle the pandemic.

Indian vaccine scheduled, with medical aids, private sector coughing up too.

While thin on detail, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize yesterday reassured MPs that South Africa was on course to deliver one million doses of Covid-19 vaccine this month and 500 000 next month.

Facing a barrage of questions from members of the portfolio committee on health, Mkhize said the department had already reached an agreement with the Serum Institute of India on the order, but could not give MPs further details on figures.

During an earlier presentation, Mkhize said the department had engaged with a range of vaccine manuf a c tur e r s from last September, projecting that the planned 67% inoculation coverage, could cost R20.6 billion, with 100% coming to R30 billion.

Responding to perceptions that government’s recent reliance on the Solidarity Fund to make a down payment of R283 million to secure SA’s entry to the Covax facility meant it could not afford to purchase vaccines for its own citizens, a bullish Mkhize said: “The acquisition of the vaccines will be largely funded from the fiscus.

“Obviously, medical aids and the private sector, will play a role.

“There will be no reliance on charitable sources. But I am not at liberty to release figures at this stage.”

The Covax payment would cover 10% of the population by April – in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s recent pledge.

Health Justice Initiative head Fatima Hassan said: “It is important for government to share its funding plans in detail to create transparency. If there is a budget allocation from National Treasury, we need to hear how the cost and risk will be managed.

“It is also important to know whether the price charged is fair or reasonable.”

Economist Mike Schussler calculated the 67% of the population to amount to R12 billion.

“Basically, for the cost of an SA Airways bailout, South Africa could get close to 66% of population vaccinated,” said Schussler. “This adding to the fact that about 20% already have immunity by having had Covid-19, often without even knowing it.

“The actual percentage of adult population with herd immunity [ or population immunity] at 67%, would be 73.5%, which could be enough for the population.

“At most it should cost SA R20 billion with some also being paid to people doing the vaccination.”

The Indian vaccine acquisition – the first sign of government moving into gear in procuring the much-needed vaccines – has been welcomed by the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and medical experts.

“Nehawu is elated and hopes the government will continue to work extra hard to secure more vaccines,” said Nehawu general

SAA bailout could get 66% of population vaccinated

secretary Zola Saphetha.

“We encourage the minister to continue to give more updates to the public and workers, to help with the anxiety that has engulfed the country.

“As a union in the healthcare sector, we will work hand-in-hand with government to ensure that front-line workers are vaccinated and that corners are not cut.

“We will monitor the process to ensure that it runs smoothly.

“Nehawu calls on the department of health to convene an urgent meeting with all trade unions in the healthcare sector to discuss the roll-out plan and a system that will be used to distribute the vaccine to healthcare workers,” Saphetha said.

“We appeal to our people to continue to exercise and follow best practice to avoid getting infected by the coronavirus, including staying at home, observing social distance, wearing masks and washing hands with soap.”

University of Cape Town professor Heather Zar, of the department of paediatrics and child health at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital, said: “This is good news – 1.5 million doses will cover about all health workers with two doses.”

“Excellent news,” was how Dr Jantjie Taljaard, Tygerberg Hospital infectious disease specialist and University of Stellenbosch academic, reacted to the news.