Birthday boost

On my birthday this Monday, I was so grateful to get the only gift I wanted. I received the COVID-19 booster vaccine for immuno-compromised individuals.

I don’t share a lot about my auto immune condition and related complications because it’s very difficult and traumatic. I was diagnosed with a blood disorder which affects my blood count and blood flow to my organs. This was between July and August 2020, amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when vaccines were not yet available in South Africa. I went through series of tests, intense treatments and blood transfusions. What I remember still feels raw. There’s parts I don’t remember because I was in ICU and then I was unconscious.

I survived. I survived because of science. I survived because of the medical expertise of an amazing team of doctors and nurses who kept me alive.

It’s been almost 18 months and I have had a few setbacks and hospital admissions since my initial diagnosis. I manage my condition with daily medication. Yes, they have side effects but I’m alive.

And so, in getting vaccinated, I chose science over conspiracy theories.

I chose my health over the fear of the unknown.

Due to my compromised immune system, I am at high risk amid the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with the Omicron variant. With the booster, I am better protected, even if I do test positive for COVID-19. And I’m protecting my children too. Both my sons are under the age of 12 so they aren’t vaccinated.

The Department of Health has issued a circular detailing the categories of immuno-compromised individuals who can receive their booster dose. Please check with your doctor if this applies to you. The booster is to be administered at least 28 days after the second dose.

This week, the South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) approved the booster dose of the Comirnaty® COVID-19 vaccine for individuals aged 18 years and older, to be administered at least 6 months after the second dose. The Department of Health is likely to share more details about the process in the coming days.

We have witnessed how families have been devastated by the virus. We have lost so many loved ones and haven’t had the chance to say goodbye properly. Our lives at home and work and our children’s education have been disrupted. The vaccine is the best defense we have against this virus, and we have to keep up with non-pharmaceutical interventions like wearing masks and regularly sanitising our hands. Yesterday, South Africa reported 22 391 new COVID-19 cases. Now is not the time to let our guard down.

We need to take individual responsibility for our health and also consider the collective responsibility we have as citizens of this country. We do not want a repeat of December 2020. The difference this December is that the vaccine is available. The choice remains yours.

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