S.Africa says vaccine helps prevent COVID-19 infection

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – South Africa’s health minister said on Friday that the government believed that vaccines and high levels of pre-COVID-19 infection were helping to alleviate the disease in a wave driven by the Omicron variant.

The first anecdotes were the fourth-wave Omicron variant, which the country reported a record number of daily infections this week, causing fewer serious illnesses in South Africa than previous variants, but scientists say it is too early. draw firm conclusions.

“We believe that Omicron may not be less virulent, but … vaccine coverage (and) … the natural immunity of people who have come in contact with the virus is also adding protection,” Health said. Minister Joe Phaahla said in a press conference. “That’s why we’re seeing mild illnesses.”

South Africa has given at least 44% of its adult population a dose of COVID-19 vaccine, more than in many African countries, but far from the government’s year-end goal. But the level of vaccine coverage among people over the age of 50 is over 60%.

Addressing the same news outlet, Michelle Groome of the National Institute of Transmitted Diseases said there had been an increase in hospital admissions and deaths at COVID-19.

“It’s starting to see a slight rise in deaths nationwide, but again that level is much lower than the base period we were seeing between the second and third waves,” Groome said.

Phaahla said the first indications were that the infections had peaked in the most populous area of ​​Gauteng province, where cases had initially risen. He added that next week the health department will report to the National Coronavirus Control Council on whether COVID-19 restrictions should be adjusted.