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The National Health Laboratory Service’s (NHLS) Institute for  Occupational Health (NIOH), is recognised internationally for excellence in research, services and training to support occupational health services not only in South Africa but also in Southern Africa through its extensive outreach activities and collaborations.

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Educational Video Resources

Debunking Handwashing Myths: World Hand Hygiene Day

What you need to know about donning & doffing surgical masks

What employers need to know about risk assessment

Know the 3 C’s and 3 W’s: Prevention during the Winter Season

What you need to know about surgical masks

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Q: Will the RNA vaccine change my genetic makeup?2021-04-06T11:34:09+02:00

A: No. Some viruses, retroviruses like HIV, are inserted into the host genetic material and can cause mutations. The genetic material of SARS-CoV2 is not inserted and the vaccines will also not result in genetic manipulation.

Q: Are there side-effects to the vaccines?2021-04-06T11:34:39+02:00

A: These vaccines are designed to activate the immune system. This can produce temporary side effects. This includes injection site pain, low grade fever, rash, muscle aches. In the large scale studies, these were reported by the participants generally as mild and lasted for a few days only. There have been reports of severe allergic responses to some but not all vaccines. These are extremely uncommon (approximately 0.001% of participants) and have not be conclusively linked to the vaccine. Importantly, side-effects are more likely to occur after the second dose of the vaccine.

Q: Is it true that individuals may get clots following the vaccine?2021-04-06T11:35:16+02:00

A: Clotting is increased in individuals who are inflamed and for this reason any immunological challenge may increase the risk of clotting (including the vaccine) however, the risk of clotting does not appear very high and the risk of abnormal clots with severe COVID-19 are very high indeed. It is therefore better to take the vaccine risk than the risk of severe disease.

Q: Is it safe for a pregnant woman to take the vaccine?2021-04-06T11:36:30+02:00

A: There is limited data available on the effect on pregnancy. Most vaccines have, however, been effective in pregnant women. Because of the risk of severe SARS-CoV2 infection in pregnant women, the WHO has recently reversed its decision not to recommend vaccination of pregnant women and many countries are now actively vaccinating women in the 2nd and 3rd trimester (www.who.int)

Q: Does medication interfere with the vaccines?2021-04-06T11:37:24+02:00

A: A number of individuals are on drugs which may suppress the immune response. This includes corticosteroids. Although there is no current indication that this affects the efficacy of the vaccine this remains something to monitor. Currently, pain medication (like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are being used in vaccinated individuals who present with side-effects like injection site pain.

Q: What information should I tell the person who is vaccinating me?2021-04-06T11:37:37+02:00

A: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
If you have a condition that effects the immune system e.g. if you have HIV or cancer
If you have had an allergic response in the past to vaccination
If you are susceptible to bleeding
If you have any symptoms of active SARS-CoV2 infection or a fever
If you have received another vaccine for SARS-CoV2

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