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The new variant of the coronavirus has upended government plans to start vaccinating health care workers. While the health ministry has switched from the AstraZeneca to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, supply of doses is a challenge.
The South African Covid-19 variant has thrown government plans into disarray as it seeks to swap one million AstraZeneca doses for Johnson & Johnson’s version.
The health ministry had planned to begin vaccinating 1.2 million healthcare workers with the AstraZeneca vaccine, but trials showed the vaccine is far less effective against the 501Y.V2 strain. The variant, first discovered here, can escape antibodies generated from previous infection.
Tembisa Hospital CEO takes Health Department on over suspension
The Young Nurses Indaba most recently dismissed the suspension of the Tembisa Hospital head as nothing more than a smoke screen.
NO GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION – SAYS MOGALADI
Mogaladi’s legal counsel has reportedly served Makgoba and Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize’s offices with documentation notifying them of his intention to appeal the Ombudsman’s report and the resulting suspension.
A statement from Mogaladi indicates he does not believe there is a basis for disciplinary action against him. He has further accused the Gauteng Health Department of bias over the appointment of an interim CEO, without “considering Mogaladi’s representation”.