Health Ministry not worried new risk linked to J&J vaccine will hamper vaccination drive

 

The Ministry of Health says it is not concerned that its inoculation campaign will be hampered by the updated label on Johnson & Johnson's coronavirus vaccine of the possible increased risk of the rare neurological complication known as Guillain-Barré syndrome.

 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said while it had not established the vaccine could cause the syndrome, it noted an increase in reports of the sometimes paralyzing condition.

 

The FDA said 100 preliminary reports of the illness had been received out of  12.8 million vaccines given.

 

Dr. Melody Ennis, Director of Family Health Services, agrees with Public Health Professor Peter Figueroa that the development is reflective of the robust surveillance system of the vaccines being produced and the level of transparency that obtains. 

 

"We anticipate challenges and we know that there is hesitancy but we continue to offer credible information. We utilise the forum as we are doing now to ensure that persons get an appreciation of what is being done, the benefits of the vaccine and just really to stay on top of the information," she suggested. 

 

Dr. Ennis said the health sector has the capacity to manage cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome, which has also been linked to the Zika virus.

 

"What is required at times if it becomes extensive in the individual is that they may require ICU treatment and being placed on a ventilator. So we did build capacity with regards to the procurement of ventilators as well as personnel to operate in the ICU setting," she revealed.