The Health Department is urging the public to report any adverse events that may be related to a Covid-19 vaccination. They remind the people the department takes any post-vaccination health issues seriously. However, they can only take action if the problem is reported.
When Can I Report a Problem?
There is no time limit to reporting any health-related issues that may arise following immunisation. Each province and district has a number of people available specifically for the purpose of inspecting any adverse events that may be related to the covid-19 vaccination. The department will investigate any such issues within 48 hours of being notified. It is also important to note that these assigned investigators will not be solely responsible for making any judgment. Part of their duty will be to gather any medical records of the person who experienced the adverse event. Then submit them to the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC).
How to Report
There are various options for anyone wanting to report a health issue that has occurred following vaccination. They can make use of the COVID-19 Public Hotline on 0800 0299 99. Alternatively, they can report using the Med Safety App. Or by filling in a “Case Report Form” on the National Institute for Communicable Disease (NICD) website and emailing it to AEFI@health.gov.za. Should you wish to gain any more information about Covid-19 and the vaccine, the NICD website also has many other resources, such as FAQs about Covid-19 and the vaccine.
Possible Side Effects of the Vaccine
The Health Department points out that most vaccinations and medicines come with side effects. And the Covid-19 vaccination is no exception. But, so far, the majority of adverse reactions to it have been minor and resolved within two to three days. The most common after-effects are headache, mild fever, chills, pain and/or redness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, and mild diarrhoea. The department also reiterates that, as it stands, the Covid-19 vaccine has been deemed “very safe and highly effective at preventing hospitalisation and death”.
