The national state of disaster was lifted. The report covered COVID-19 related adverse vaccine concerns such as myocarditis, and guillain-barre syndrome. Other related diseases covered outside COVID-19 included misinformation related to monkeypox and the impact COVID-19 has on TB patients. Laslty, the misinformation on the report included misinformation on COVID-19 and its vaccines, including vaccine safety and its efficacy.
The national state of disaster was lifted. There was increased social media engagement and search queries, the general public was searching for nearest COVID-19 vaccination cites, Barre Syndrome, COVID-19 vaccination benefits, and vaccine safety and efficacy. Other related diseases outside COVID-19 included Polio and Measles.
The state of disaster was lifted. Parents in South Africa were hesitant to vaccinate their children, mainly due to fears about long-term health effects. The announcement of 1,279 new Covid-19 cases by the National Department of Health sparked anxiety on social media, with fears of a sixth wave emerging. Due to low vaccine uptake, approximately 10 million Pfizer doses were set to expire and be destroyed in October. While some South Africans showed interest in traditional remedies like Umhlonyane (Artemisia Afra), most did not consider them effective for serious illnesses. The pandemic disrupted tuberculosis (TB) testing and treatment in South Africa, which remained one of the countries with the highest TB burden. The spread of drug-resistant TB strains continued, and the pandemic led to fewer diagnoses and treatment interruptions, contributing to higher mortality. A study revealed that misinformation had deadly consequences in both the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 pandemics.
The state of disaster was lifted. The report covered healthcare issues beyond COVID-19, these included reports about increased risk of diabetes diagnosis in adults and children. Mental health and neurological diagnosis post COVID-19, and cardiovascular diseases such as increased chances of the disease in men over 50 post-COVID-19. The report this month also covered public sentiments related to monkeypox including misinformation and lack of information related to monkeypox. Lastly, the report contained information related to COVID-19 including vaccine hesitancy and booster shot hesitancy.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The announcement of South Africa’s first confirmed death linked to a Covid-19 vaccine stirred public anxiety. Vaccination rates among young people were notably low. Only 38% of those aged 18–34 and 2.6 million teens aged 12–17 had received the vaccine. In contrast, older age groups showed higher coverage, with 71% of those over 60 vaccinated. Online platforms saw a spike in searches and shared content related to vaccine safety and misinformation. Many South Africans were unsure where to find updated Covid-19 data, as reporting had shifted from daily to weekly. The UK’s approval of a vaccine targeting both the original and Omicron strains received mixed responses in South Africa. A deadly measles outbreak in Zimbabwe underscored the decline in routine childhood vaccinations during the pandemic. South Africa also saw reduced immunisation rates, with four measles cases confirmed in Gauteng.
The national state of disaster was still lifted.The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) confirmed the first vaccine-related death in Cape Town, linked to the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. There was a spike in online searches such as google searches or terms like “myocarditis”, “Guillain-Barré syndrome”, and “Covid vaccine death” A survey of over 2,000 women academics from South African universities revealed that the pandemic worsened gender disparities in research and career progression. The findings were welcomed as a call for institutional reform.
The media statement provides an update on the Guillian-Barre Syndrome. The media statement assures the public that one of SAHPRA's key function is to monitor and evaluate the safety of vaccines. Although GBS is form of adverse events it is a very rare condition and laslty, the public was assured that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The first confirmed Covid-19 vaccine-related death in South Africa was reported by SAHPRA, involving Guillain-Barré Syndrome after a J&J vaccine. SAHPRA and the Health Minister reaffirmed that vaccines remained overwhelmingly safe, with only one verified death out of 37 million vaccinations. There was a surge in online interest in vaccine-related topics, such as how the Pfizer vaccine works and vaccine certification. PCR testing numbers dropped by 7.8%, with Gauteng leading in testing and Limpopo the lowest. No new monkeypox cases were reported since June 2022, with only three confirmed cases and no deaths
The national state of disaster was still lifted. Many South Africans believed the Covid-19 pandemic had ended, leading to a significant decline in interest in vaccinations. Even before the pandemic, South Africa struggled with low childhood vaccination coverage. The Covid-19 crisis worsened this issue, with only 76.8% of children reportedly receiving all required vaccines. The WHO declared monkeypox a global health emergency, though experts disagreed on the level of concern.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The BA.5 Omicron subvariant was reported to be more transmissible and resistant to vaccines than earlier strains. Public sentiment increasingly suggested that “Covid is over,” even as cases rose by 12.8% in South Africa, especially in the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and North West provinces. Discussions about Covid-19 on social media and digital platforms declined. Some companies faced pressure to reinstate employees dismissed for refusing vaccination. Political and religious leaders voiced opposition to mandatory vaccination, while others encouraged voluntary uptake. Institutions like the University of the Free State lifted their mandates.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. Many South Africans believed that the Covid-19 pandemic had ended, which contributed to growing vaccine hesitancy. This sentiment conflicted with the World Health Organization’s warnings about new, highly transmissible variants like BA.5, which they described as the most contagious yet. Several major companies, including Standard Bank and Old Mutual, ended their mandatory vaccination policies. A widely shared study reviewing 30 research papers confirmed that Covid-19 vaccines were safe for pregnant women. Although mask mandates had been lifted, some individuals reported feeling uncomfortable or judged when choosing to wear masks in public.There was a spike in online searches for terms like “ninja Covid variant” and “Standard Bank vaccination.” Popular digital news stories included topics on employee rights regarding vaccination and the end of vaccine mandates.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. A study published in The Lancet had shown that Covid-19 vaccines saved nearly 20 million lives globally. This evidence had sparked positive discussions online, while also highlighting how vaccine inequity had cost millions of lives, particularly in poorer regions like Africa. South Africa had reported its second monkeypox case, which led to mixed reactions online. Healthcare professionals had criticised the lifting of mask mandates as premature. The pandemic had negatively affected children’s education, with fewer attending Grade R compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The report covered the public reaction to the lifted restrictions. The removal of Covid-19 regulations, including mask mandates, had sparked mixed reactions. While many expressed relief, others remained cautious, especially due to winter conditions. South Africa confirmed its first monkeypox case. The CDC’s recommendation to vaccinate children from six months old received mixed reactions. Some welcomed the move, while others questioned its necessity.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. Social media showed a growing concern about monkeypox despite no confirmed cases in South Africa at the time. Public interest in COVID-19 had waned, with many expressing exhaustion. Online discussions about COVID-19 and its vaccines was dropping. Data showed poorer communities, especially Black South Africans, were disproportionately affected. Lastly, social media reflected strong anti-vaccine sentiment.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The report highlited that structural inequality in South Africa has worsened Covid-19 outcomes for poorer communities, especially Black South Africans, who faced higher infection and mortality rates due to crowded living conditions and limited access to intensive care. There was a mental health crisis reported suggesting that the pandemic, lockdowns, and recent natural disasters (e.g., KZN floods) have led to a rise in mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, highlighting the need for more mental health support.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The social listening report focused on COVID-19 sentiment, COVID-19 vaccination progress and challenges, additionally online engagement and misinformation. South Africa was transitioning into a new stage of the pandemic. Vaccination uptake documented that nearly 50% of adults had received at least one dose of the vaccine. Searches online were on vaccine safety, mandates and travel requirements. Misinformation stated that vaccines cause infertility, miscarriages or death.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. The social listening report reported 5th wave related concerns,Covid-19 cases are rising, nearing 10,000 daily. The fifth wave wasn't yet officially declared, but risks were high, especially with winter approaching at the time. COVID-19 vaccine certificate and support centre concerns. Communication related to the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women.
The national state of disaster was still lifted. There was rising anxiety due to the 5th wave and widespread COVID-19 fatigue from the public. Workshops across SA revealed common concerns related to vaccine safety, fertility fears, and belief that Covid is no longer serious.
The national state of disaster was lifted. The reported highlighted that there was misconception that COVID-19 was over. There was a sharp decline in COVID-19 cases. There was reported concern over COVID-19 vaccines affecting routine immunisation. Higher Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Concerns around COVID-19 safety and side effects especially on women.
The national state of disaster was lifted. The social listening report showed a decline in COVID-19 vaccines and booster demand. There was decreased interest in COVID-19 related news. People dismissed 5th wave predictions as fear mongering and there was negative reactions towards COVID-19 related news.
South Africa lifted the national state of disaster. The report highlighted that people thought COVID-19 pandemic was over because of the end of the national state of disaster. There was increased rejection of communication related to COVID-19 and its vaccines. There was frustration about finding operating vaccination sites. There was negative sentiment around the release of the second batch of Pfizer documents.
The country was still on alert level 1. The key trends on the report highlighted that there was decline in vaccine certificate queries. There was a increased sentiments around COVID-19 being over where people felt COVID-19 was less important. There was also confusion and concern around lockdown regulations as rumours circulated that the state of disaster was coming to an end. Lastly, the report covered concerns of low vaccine uptake in KwaZulu Natal.
The country was still on alert level 1. There was a decreased social media engagement related to COVID-19 vaccines and fewer search queries and engagement across platforms like Twitter, Facebook and digital news articles. There was diminished concern about COVID-19 severity publicly. There was increased vaccine fatigure influenced by factors such as side effects and perceived poor efficacy of the vaccines.
The country was on alert level 1. The was increased interest in COVID-19 and vaccines, particulalrly regarding "Pfizer side effects". There was increased sentiment among the general public that COVID-19 is no longer a major threat to the public. Misunderstanding of the Pfizer report as listing 1,291 side effects. Increase in COVID-19 cases among people under 20, possibly linked to schools reopening fully.
The country was still on alert level 1. There was significant increase in discussions and searches about Pfizer's side effects due to a misinterpreted report. Declining media interest on coverage of COVID-19 related news. Frequent changes in vaccination protocols and COVID-19 fatigue led to confusion. Closure of vaccination sites has led to uncertainty about where to get vaccinated