Digital data technology, as well as barcode scanning, will be employed in South Africa to manage and monitor the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine.

ITWeb reports that an electronic vaccination data system (EVDS), based on available technology, will provide information that will be used for monitoring vaccine uptake and coverage, prioritising vaccination groups, planning, safety monitoring and studying vaccine efficacy. In addition, barcode scanning of vials as well as tracking and monitoring of vehicles will ensure that vaccines are distributed securely.

‘There’ll be track and trace of vaccines using barcode scanning as well as the safe and secure disposal of packaging and vials, and data verification linked to the volumes that have been submitted,’ according to Anban Pillay, deputy director-general of the Department of Health and a member of the ministerial advisory committee on vaccines.

He says the data collected for the EVDS will include patient details, the number of doses given, the health facility where the vaccine was administered, type of vaccine and any adverse reactions. It will also provide a vaccination record for the patient.

19 January 2021
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