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Social Listening Report Number 19: 21 September 2021
The country was still on alert level 2. The document reported on vaccine rollout progress with 11.5 million people vaccinated with atleast one dose of vaccine by 21 September 2021. People were exchaning positive vaccination stories on social media including prison vaccine drives. There were still concerns around vaccine safety such as myths around vaccine side effects these included reports on serious side effects such as swollen glands, menstrual disruptions. There were debates around mandatory vaccination, with heathed discussions on compulsory vaccines and petitions to boycott vaccines
Social Listening Report Number 18: 13 September 2021
The country entered adjusted alert level 2. The document reported on vaccine progress highlighting that over 10 million people in South Africa had received atleast one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by September 2021. The report higlighted that the vaccination rollout process had become politicised with demostrations both for and against vaccinations. Additionally, many people felt that the government was focusing on vaccination over more pressing issues like unemployment and hunger at the time. There were ongoing debates about mandatory vaccination and the use of incentives. Lastly, the document discussed booster shots and future waves of COVID-19.
Social Listening Report Number 17: 07 September 2021
The country was still on alert level 3. The report addressed youth hesitancy, many young people are hesitant to get vaccinated due to safety concerns and a belief that vaccination is unnecessary for their age group. A UNICEF survey found that only 55% of young people up to 24 years old are willing to get vaccinated. Covid Orphans, it was reported that South Africa has nearly 95,000 orphans due to Covid-19, according to a report from the University of Cape Town. Lastly, the report outlines misinformation around vaccine safety and vaccine side effects.
Social Listening Report Number 16: 30 August 2021
The country was still on alert level 3 lockdown. The report focused on the following key trends including positive sentiments that the public was sharing on social media platforms about the vaccine rollout phases. Additionally, the report highlighted issues associated with increased vaccine demand especially among thise 18-34 years. There was an increased social media activity around COVID-19 vaccines with over 1.1 million mentions of the vaccines. Laslty, the report highlights debates around mandatory vaccination with the general public fearing that vaccinations would be made compulsory.
Social Listening Report: 27 August 2021
The country was on alert level 3. The report was focused on COVID-19 vaccination rollout, including the EVDS self registration system. The report addresses engagement levels through tracking social media platforms regarding vaccination campaigns. And lastly, the report gives demographic insights such as understanding which demographics are likely to be hesitant than others.
District COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out Report Number 15: 23 August 2021
The country was on lockdown level 3. The report addresses misinformation and fear around vaccines with people still believing that vaccines cause death. People were sharing positive stories and incentives around COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, the report addressed community engagement of traditional and regious leaders that shared their support and advocacy around vaccines.
Social Listening Report Number 14: 16 August 2021
The country was on lockdown level 3. The report discusses that there was a significant gap between vaccine supply and demand. There was a debate about urban vs. rural areas vaccine coverage with many arguing urban areas had better vaccine supply and accessibility.
Social Listening Report: 13 August 2021
The country was on lockdown level 3. The report is on the Limpopo Department of Health COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy. The report covers the goals for vaccine distribution and coverage.
COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Strategy Report Number 13: 09 August 2021
Lockdown was on alert level 3. The report set out key trends such as wide vaccine rollout collaboration that includes calls for community mobilization and needed collaboration between private companies and research organisations. Additionally, the report addresses negative vaccine consequences such as concerns about illness and death after vaccination. Post-COVID Infection Immunity vs. Vaccine Immunity including questions about the necessity of vaccination for those who have had COVID-19 and believe they have natural immunity.
Social Listening Report Number 12: 04 August 2021
The country was on alert level 3. The report addresses vaccine hesitancy including low trust in the government contributing to hesitancy. Additionally, employment concerns about loss of jobs due to non vaccination. Adverse effects and reporting including discussions about severe adverse effects post-vaccination. Lastly, concerns about vaccine apartheid with perceptions that middle class South Africans are getting better vaccines. Misinformation about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Social Listening Report Number 11: 28 July 2021
Disaster management regulations were on alert level 3. The report highlights a high increase in registration and vaccine interest among 35-49 year olds. Deaths following vaccines are being investigated. Misinformation was on vaccine safety and effectiveness especially on whatsapp.
Social Listening Report Number 10: 19 July 2021
The country was on alert level 4. The report addressed the impact of the unrest. The unrest and looting in KZN and Gauteng severely disrupted the vaccination program. There was excitement with 34-49 year olds about vaccinations with over 1 million registrations in 24 hours. Mistrust directed at the government beacuse of the impact on the vaccination rollout. Lastly, there was an overload on the call centre with concerns about vaccines
Social Listening Report Number 9: 12 July 2021
The lockdown level was on alert level 4. The report addressed vaccination progress. Relief and excitement as vaccinations for over 50s begin and over 35s are set to start in August. Concerns and challenges there was fear and worry related to the rising third wave of COVID-19 especially in Gauteng. Lastly, the report addressed misinformation and rumors. Circulation of misinformation about COVID-19 being a hoax, vaccine safety, and unapproved cures like Ivermectin. Reports of anti-vaccination religious leaders and fake cures.
Social Listening Report Number 8: 05 July 2021
The country was on adjusted alert level 4. Vaccine Demand vs. Access: More people want the vaccine than can currently access it. EVDS Issues: The Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) is a major pain point due to communication errors. COVID-19 Fatigue: Poor adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) like mask-wearing and social distancing. Misinformation: Various rumors and misinformation are circulating, including false claims about vaccine side effects and efficacy.
Social Listening Report Number 7: 28 June 2021
The country was on adjusted alert level 4 from 28  June to 25 July 2021. Context from the report discussed mRNA vaccine hub in South Africa sparks optimism. Presidential lockdown and vaccine rollout plans generate interest. Fears of third-wave infections, especially in Gauteng, persist. Google searches surge for vaccine-related topics, including Abdala and side effects. Vaccine inequity evident, with insured seniors vaccinated at higher rates.
Social Listening Report Number 6: 21 June 2021
The country was on adjusted alert level 3 from 16 June to 27 June 2021. Vaccine demand surpasses supply, with logistical challenges slowing rollout, especially compared to Botswana. Concerns include politicization ahead of elections, Pfizer preference over J&J due to contamination issues, and fears of post-vaccine health risks like clotting and myocarditis. Confusion remains over vaccine differences and widespread issues with the EVDS system.
Social Listening Report Number 5: 14 June 2021
The country was adjusted to alert level 2 from 31 May to 15 June 2021.
Social Listening Report Number 4: 07 June 2021
The country was adjusted to alert level 2 from 31 May to 15 June 2021. Support for vaccinations remains strong, particularly for those over 60. Vaccine hesitancy appears to be decreasing. Confusion over access continues.
Social Listening Report Number 3: 31 May 2021
The country was on adjusted to alert level 2 from 31 May to 15 June 2021. During this time, Phase Two of the vaccine rollout was met with positivity. While vaccine hesitancy was minimal, demand exceeded supply. However, trust in the process was shaken by the "Digital Vibes" scandal and widespread confusion over registration.
Social Listening Report Number 2: 24 May 2021
The disaster management regulations were on alert level 1. During this time public attention shifted toward the rollout of Phase Two of the Covid vaccine program. The logistics of the rollout came under scrutiny, with confusion over registration. Other corncerns were related to vaccine safety especially during pregnancy.
Social Listening Report Number 1: 17 May 2021
The country was on adjusted alert level 1 from 1 March to 30 May 2021. The disaster management regulation on level 1 indicated low Covid-19 spread with a high health system readiness. Social media monitoring revealed growing concerns about the efficacy of vaccines and potential side effects. The emergence of the Indian Covid variant led to heightened fears and xenophobia. Lastly, misinformation spread claims that vaccines were responsible for unreported deaths, severe side effects, and long-term illnesses similar to HIV.