[EXPLAINER] When to be cautious about getting Covid-19 vaccine

South Africa is ramping up its Covid-19 vaccine rollout with those aged 35 and older now all eligible for the jab.

In Gauteng, walk-ins are allowed for everyone aged 35 and up at all public health facilities with most medical aids now also vaccinating those individuals without appointments. 

Some individuals face a lot of uncertainty in deciding to go for a vaccination though, based on individual health considerations.

This guide aims to answer commonly-asked questions about whether certain people can safely receive the vaccine.

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Dr Glenda Gray, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) CEO, says most questions she gets asked with regards to Covid-19 vaccines relate to side-effects.

“Just because we have side-effects, doesn’t mean we should not take it,” she notes.

She says there has also been some concern about the potential for blood clots to form, a side-effect of many other vaccines and of Covid-19 itself.

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Gray says to watch out for symptoms like tingling of the legs, weakness, and having trouble coming up stairs a few days after having the jab and to seek medical attention if this does occur.

She says one of the lesser-known reasons to pause before taking a vaccine rather include any past allergic and, specifically, anaphylactic reaction to medication, such as penicillin.

“With Pfizer, anyone with a history of an anaphylactic reaction needs to first consult their doctor before taking the vaccine,” she notes.

“It might be that they need to take medication before taking the vaccine or need to just stay in the observation area afterwards a bit longer.

"It’s better to err on the side of safety,” she says, adding: “Millions of people across the world have got the vaccine already so there is a lot of experience with the vaccine at the global level and mounting experience in South Africa.”

The SA government’s Coronavirus portal contains all relevant information on the vaccine and the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, and the information below can be found on that site. 

If in doubt it is always best to consult a medical expert such as your doctor.

Who should not get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Based on the available evidence, people with the following health conditions should, generally, be excluded from Covid-19 vaccination in order to avoid possible adverse effects:

• If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any ingredients of the COVID-19 vaccine.
• If you are currently sick or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, though you can get vaccinated once your primary symptoms have resolved.

Is it safe for pregnant women, those planning to become pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to receive COVID-19 vaccines?

Based on what we know about these vaccines, there is no specific reason to believe there will be risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe Covid-19, very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy.

Government has said it is advised that vaccines are offered to all pregnant and breastfeeding women who are eligible and who have completed 14 weeks of gestation.

It is not yet clear whether Covid-19 vaccines can be excreted through breastfeeding. To determine the best course of action, the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for vaccination against Covid-19, according to the Department of Health. The World Health Organization (WHO) does not recommend discontinuing breastfeeding after vaccination.

Can I get vaccinated if I'm on medication or have pre-existing conditions?

Your doctor would be best suited to discuss vaccination.

What are the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines?

Like any vaccine, Covid-19 vaccines can cause mild side effects, such as a low-grade fever or pain or redness at the injection site. Most reactions to vaccines are mild and go away within a few days on their own. More serious or long-lasting side effects to vaccines are possible but extremely rare.

Reported side effects to Covid-19 vaccines have mostly been mild to moderate and short-lasting. They include: fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, diarrhoea, and pain at the injection site.

Can you have an allergic reaction from the vaccine?

There have been reports of severe allergic reactions in a small number of people who received a Covid-19 vaccine. A severe allergic reaction – such as anaphylaxis – is a potential but rare side effect with any vaccine. In persons with a known risk, such as previous experience of an allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine or any of the known components in the vaccine, precautions may need to be taken.

If you have previously had an allergic reaction to vaccines or other medicine, you should consult your healthcare provider before getting the Covid-19 vaccine.

Can I get the vaccine when not feeling well/in quarantine/am recovering from Covid-19?

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you must finish your quarantine period and then wait a further 28 days before you can be vaccinated. If you are feeling unwell but have not tested positive for Covid-19 you must not come to the vaccination site and should instead wait for a follow-up appointment.

Can you get vaccinated if I had a flu shot a week ago?

Please give yourself 14 days between the two vaccines. 

Where can I get vaccinated?

A full list of active vaccination sites can be found here.