By Zanele Songo
Vaccines are crucial in the fight against COVID-19, as they reduce hospitalizations, and death. However, laboratory studies have demonstrated that protection against COVID-19 is related to antibody levels as COVID variants have arisen.
Booster immunization with Johnson and Johnson vaccines is a safe and effective technique to boost antibody levels. Moreover, the J&J booster shot is 85% effective in protecting people against the Omicron variant.
Booster vaccines are safe for adults but not for children who are 12 years. According to News24, more than 6.7 million people in the country have already received their vaccines, while just over 230 000 health workers already received the second shot.
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People are encouraged get the booster as they will be protected the the virus. Minister of health Joe Phaahla said that, the department has been advised by the Vaccine Ministerial Advisory Committee that they should have a compromised immunity to receive additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. Which shows that the booster was approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.( SAHPRA).
Glenda Gray who is the Co-investigator at Sisonke study, stated that, “The boosting is to prolong the immune response and make it more durable. Basically two doses of J&J raise the protection of vaccines as you may experience side effects similar to those you might have had after your first dose, such as muscle aches, pain at the injection side or headaches. These effects are a sign that your immune system is fighting the virus.”