ON COVID-19 VACCINES

Medico-legal: Covid-19 Vaccination Rollout

Healthcare workers will be the first in line to receive the vaccines from India, as stated by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his recent speech addressing the nation. This is so they can be protected as they help treat the infected.

Business Live SA reports that Professor Glenda Gray, president of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), said, referring to healthcare workers, "it’s great to hear that there will be a vaccine and it’s wonderful news and it’s a tribute to their hard work."

There are also various issues surrounding the vaccine rollout. According to eNCA, legal experts and civil society groups are warning the government to ensure the vaccine rollout is not hindered by corruption. They are advocating for the negotiations between the government and pharmaceutical companies to be transparent, as well as the setting up of specialised courts to deal with companies who may be accused of corrupt activities. This is probably fueled by the corruption that occurred in 2020 around the Covid-19 relief funds.

The public is also advocating for the protection of the vehicles that will deliver the vaccines, and the facilities that will be storing them. This is in consideration of the high crime rate in South Africa.