ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic, precariously situated at the intersection of science, ethics, the law, public health, the economy and politics, unmasked deep-seated inequities baked into our existence for centuries. It stimulated profound reflection on a range of conflicts that were present in pre-COVID-19 times, but which re-surfaced in the context of this public health crisis. Central to bringing the pandemic under control was a toolbox of preventative measures that were developed and implemented – hygiene practices were intensified, physical distancing was advised, quarantine and isolation were implemented, mandatory masking became the norm and vaccine development was accelerated. From a public health perspective, the tide of this pandemic turned after the development and administration of carefully tested vaccines. Previous natural infection in the first three waves of infection, in those who survived, also mitigated the mortality in later waves. This medical triumph of hybrid immunity was lauded in scientific and non-scientific circles alike but, sadly, against a backdrop of global inequity in access and supply. The world was split apart at its social and moral seams. As vaccine access improved, the conflict between myth and fact emerged as social media (both a blessing and a curse), fuelled the spread of misinformation with consequent vaccine hesitancy and refusal. This chapter explores the bright and dark sides of vaccine development and implementation and how it impacted the pandemic in South Africa.
