TO:
HEADS OF PROVINCIAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
HEADS OF PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
DISTRICT AND PHC MANAGERS
COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME MANAGERS
COVID-19 VACCINATION SITE MANAGERS
COVID-19 VACCINATORS
INTERVAL BETWEEN SARS-COV-2 INFECTION AND COVID-19 VACCINATION
COVID-19 vaccines are effective and provide protection against COVID-19 infection. Individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection should still be vaccinated if they are in the eligible population.
These individuals should be vaccinated regardless if their SARS-CoV-2 infection was symptomatic, asymptomatic or resulted in prolonged post COVID-19 symptoms.
Testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection before COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended. Studies conducted on the COVID-19 vaccines indicate these vaccines can safely be given to individuals with
a history of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, if an individual is known to have had SARSCoV-2 infection, the recommended minimum interval between the SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID19 vaccination is 30 days after the end of severe symptoms or 35 days after the date of the positive test.
The minimum interval between SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccination applies to individuals who experience SARS-CoV-2 infection before the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination, or after the first dose and before the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
DR N CRISP
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
DATE: 24 June 2021
