Question NW2097 to the Minister of Health
19 June 2023 - NW2097
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
(1)What total number of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered since 1 January 2020; (2) whether there has been any fatal adverse effects; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the common adverse effects; (3) (a) how (i) accessible are the processes of reporting adverse effects and (ii) does his department ensure that the public knows how to report such adverse effects and (b) what total number of the reported cases were investigated?
Reply:
1. The COVID 19 Vaccination programme started on 17 February 2021. According to the Electronic Vaccination Data System the total number of COVID 19 vaccines administered for the period 17 February 2021 and 5 June 2023 are 38 977 115.
2. Yes, three deaths resulting from Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine have been causality linked to the vaccine. The common adverse events following immunisation includes fever, pain at the injection site, pain, nausea, local reaction, headache, fatigue, dizziness and chest pain.
3. (a) An adverse event following immunisation (AEFI) can be reported three ways a) on the MedSafety app b) at any private or public health facility on the MedSafety app or on a paper-based form emailed to [email protected] c) on the COVID-19 hotline (now the National Health Hotline). The NDoH in collaboration with SAHPRA has widely communicated to the public how to report AEFI, including on social media, training of health care workers and on various webinars/media engagements. Only serious and severe AEFI are investigated; 3075 clinically significant AEFI have been reported and the investigations are either underway or concluded. It should be noted that the majority of AEFI are found to be related in time, but not causally linked, to immunisation.
(b) A total of 49 claims have been received by the Covid-19 Vaccine Injury No Fault Compensation Scheme. All the claims have been adjudicated by the Adjudication Panel and finalised.
Breakdown:
|
Claims – No evidence of temporary or permanent disability |
30 |
R0.00 |
|
Claims – Death benefit (R150,000.00) each |
3 |
R450,000.00 |
|
Claim – Permanent Disability |
1 |
R171,000.00 |
|
Claims – Temporary Disability |
2 |
R45,000.00 |
|
Claim – Private Doctor consultation |
1 |
R5,600.00 |
|
Claims – re-directed to Sisonke Trial – vaccinate before 17 May 2021 |
6 |
R0.00 |
|
Claims – assessed – wait for additional information |
6 |
R0.00 |
|
TOTAL |
49 |
R671,600.00 |
END.