Health

Question by:

Hon Mireille Wenger

Answered by:

Hon Nomafrench Mbombo

Question Number:

Question Body:

Whether the Province has conducted a COVID-19 vaccine readiness assessment; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) if it includes cold-chain infrastructure to receive and deliver COVID-19 vaccines;

whether the Province has a COVID-19 vaccine roll-out plan; if so, how will vulnerable members of the population be prioritised?

Answer Body:

Technical experts are advising on a formal option appraisal of all available candidate vaccines, in terms of the efficacy, safety, affordability, etc. Once vaccines are approved for use by such international authorities, our own regulatory authority the South African Health Products Regulatory (SAHPRA) will need to approve any vaccine before it is made available to the South African public. The country is currently conducting the readiness assessment at a national level. Once the National Vaccine Deployment Plan (NVDP) has been finalised, each province will conduct its own readiness assessment based on the criteria outlined in the NVDP. A national technical working group has been established, and all provinces will be invited to join the technical working group, which the Western Cape will do. As part of the national level country readiness assessment a National Cold chain audit is being conducted in facilities in the public and private sector to ensure sufficient cold chain capacity for Covid-19 vaccine roll-out. The results will be available in February. The National Department of Health is facilitating the process and will give guidance to provinces.

The Western Cape Department of Health has developed a pro-active strategy to access SAHPRA approved vaccines in Western Cape, which includes the engagement of the National Minister. Currently, country readiness is assessed at a National level and reported to the WHO, which can be viewed on their web-site.

Yes. Limited vaccine volumes are expected in 2021 and the global demand is high. Vaccine introduction will be prioritized based on the risk of specific populations. The Ministerial Advisory Committee on Vaccines, has outlined these priority groups in a strategic document which will be available soon. However, all service delivery platforms are being considered to ensure equitable access to all priority groups. Health Care workers and other essential workers (such as front-line workers in education, law enforcement, correctional services and other essential services), along with vulnerable groups such as the elderly and people with co-morbidities will be prioritised in the Western Cape.

Date:

Friday, December 11, 2020

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