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vaccine hesitancy
5 years on: What's the real truth about Covid-19?
It has been five years since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020 a decision that fundamentally altered the course of history.
Texas child dies in measles outbreak, first US fatality in years
An unvaccinated child in Texas has died from measles, marking the first US fatality from the disease in nearly a decade, as health officials warn of a growing outbreak linked to declining vaccination rates.
CDC and WHO caution people not to use Mpox as a way to label a community negatively
People are contagious from one day before the rash appears and up to 21 days after symptoms start. Once the scabs fall off, they are no longer contagious, according to the CDC.
Flu-driven absenteeism costs R19. 1bn and 4. 5m missed workdays a year in SA, here’s what employers can do
Office environments are filled with flu hot spots like elevators, stair railings, bathroom doors, printers, kettles and fridges.
All your flu and vaccine questions, answered by experts
According to the World Health Organization, flu-related causes result in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths worldwide each year. In South Africa, around 11,000 people die from the flu annually, as reported by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.
Swine flu explained: prevention tips, symptoms and when to seek help
Swine flu, also known as H1N1, is a viral infection resembling the respiratory infection pigs get. In 2009, an H1N1 pandemic affected millions globally.
Pneumonia still a leading threat to children in SA despite vaccines
In South Africa, flu and pneumonia are the second biggest cause of death in children under five, coming after intestinal infectious diseases. This situation is troubling, especially since vaccines are available for children in both public and private healthcare sectors.
Expert weighs in on flu prevention, vaccines, misconceptions and building community immunity
One prevalent myth surrounding the flu is that it's no more severe than a common cold. In reality, influenza can lead to serious complications like pneumonia.
The Department of Health dismisses reports of new Covid variant but recommends taking the necessary precautions
Protecting yourself and others from respiratory illnesses requires a combination of personal hygiene, health practices and awareness.
World Immunisation Week 2024 celebrates 50 years of life-saving vaccines
This week is all about celebrating how vaccines save and improve lives by fighting off diseases.
Hesitant about getting a flu vaccine this winter? Here is what you need to know
In South Africa, flu kills approximately 11,500 people annually and causes 20,000 hospitalisations.
Winter is coming: Experts encourage South Africans to get flu vaccine
Children have the highest rates of seasonal flu infection, which can lead to increased transmission within communities, say experts.
‘Walking experiment’ — Man, 62, got 217 Covid-19 vaccinations on purpose
Scientists hypothesised that the man’s immune response would be similar to that of persons with persistent diseases like HIV or hepatitis B. But, they were wrong.
Covid vaccines linked to rare heart and brain disorders, says vaccine study
A recent peer-reviewed study has revealed rare occurrences of heart, brain, and blood disorders associated with Covid vaccines from companies such as Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca.
New Covid variant JN. 1 blamed for spike in US cases; there is no need for panic in SA
A new variant has been blamed for an upsurge in Covid-19 cases in the US.
What is Disease X? How scientists are preparing for the next pandemic
The World Health Organization added Disease X in 2017 to a short list of pathogens deemed a top priority for research, alongside known killers like SARS and Ebola.
Vaccine hesitancy persists as Covid-19 spreads in South Africa, report shows
As Covid-19 continues to spread, giving rise to new variants, South Africans are still disseminating misinformation and expressing doubts about the Covid-19 vaccine.
Landmark Ruling: High Court rules government must reveal ‘secret’ Covid-19 vaccine procurement contracts
The court decision gives the government 10 days to disclose Covid-19 vaccine negotiation contracts, meeting notes, and correspondence with any vaccine manufacturer or licensee, including with Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Aspen Pharmacare, Sinovac, and the Serum Institute of India.
Recommendations on boys to also be prioritised in vaccine
The human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact.
‘Polio and other preventable disease outbreaks’ possible
Due to the gap in the immunisation of children during the global pandemic, diseases that lay dormant for decades are now re-emerging.
It is not too late to vaccinate a child who missed their dose, says the NICD
This is African Vaccination Week, and the NICD said it was never too late for parents to take their children to the nearest clinic and get vaccinated.
Tycoon's 'unvaxxed sperm' auction taps into conspiracies
The sales pitch that sperm from uninoculated men will be in high demand, and therefore fetch top dollar, stems from the widely debunked conspiracy theory that Covid-19 jabs cause mass infertility.
London-based anti-vaxxer and campaigner Dr Aseem Malhotra’s talk and visit slammed
A recent visit and talk by a British anti-vaxxer and campaigner Dr Aseem Malhotra, at the Western Cape legislature had ruffled a few feathers, once word spread.
Outrage after British doctor hosts anti-vaccination talk at the Western Cape legislature
A controversial British cardiologist who delivered a talk in the Western Cape legislature’s auditorium this week, has tongues wagging.
Parents urged to allow children to be vaccinated against measles at school
To date a total of 60 confirmed measles cases had been reported to authorities, 40 from Ekurhuleni, six from Joburg, 10 from Tshwane, four from West Rand District, and none reported from the Sedibeng district.