Last Updated: 15 April 2025
Welcome to savims.org.za, the official website of the South African Vaccine Injury MEDICO-legal Study Group (SAVIMS). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with applicable laws and best practices, including the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, store, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or interact with our services.
1. Who We Are
The South African Vaccine Injury MEDICO-legal Study Group (SAVIMS) is an independent research and legal advocacy group focused on the medico-legal aspects of vaccine injury in South Africa. We provide educational content, research publications, legal resources, and facilitate community support around vaccine-related injuries and related medico-legal issues.
Website: https://savims.org.za
Contact: savims@savims.org.za
2. Information We Collect
We collect the following types of information:
a. Personal Information
- Name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Postal address
- Identification or medical reference numbers (in rare cases and only if voluntarily submitted)
- Any other information voluntarily provided via contact forms, surveys, or newsletter sign-ups
b. Automatically Collected Information
- IP address
- Browser type and version
- Device type and OS
- Pages visited and time spent on the site
- Referring URL
- Cookies and tracking technologies (see Section 6)
c. Sensitive Information
In cases where individuals contact us regarding vaccine injury claims or concerns, we may process sensitive personal information (such as medical or health information) strictly for the purpose it was provided, and with your explicit consent.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Respond to inquiries and requests
- Provide information or support relating to vaccine injuries
- Disseminate newsletters, research, and updates (if subscribed)
- Improve our website and user experience
- Carry out research and analysis (anonymized where possible)
- Comply with legal obligations
- Communicate organizational updates or opportunities
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under POPIA and, where applicable, GDPR, we process your information based on:
- Your consent
- Legal obligations
- Legitimate interests of SAVIMS
- Public interest (e.g., scientific and medico-legal research)
- Performance of a contract (e.g., services requested by you)
5. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal data. We may share information:
- With service providers or third parties who assist with website hosting, analytics, email services, etc. (only under strict confidentiality agreements)
- When required by law or legal proceedings
- With your explicit consent (e.g., for research participation or media sharing)
- In anonymized or aggregated form for research and statistical purposes
6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies to enhance your experience, understand user behavior, and improve site performance. Cookies may include:
- Session cookies
- Analytics cookies (e.g., Google Analytics)
- Security cookies
You can modify your browser settings to block cookies or notify you when cookies are being used. Note that disabling cookies may affect site functionality.
7. Data Storage and Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. These include:
- Secure servers and SSL encryption
- Restricted access to personal data
- Regular data backups
- Secure hosting and firewalls
However, no internet-based service is completely secure. You acknowledge that providing personal information is at your own risk.
8. Your Rights
Under applicable laws, you have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Correct or update inaccurate data
- Withdraw consent at any time (where applicable)
- Request deletion of your information
- Object to or restrict processing of your data
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator (South Africa)
To exercise these rights, contact us at: savims@savims.org.za
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies before submitting any personal data.
10. Children’s Privacy
Our services are not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors without verified parental consent.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the “Last Updated” date at the top. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact:
SAVIMS – South African Vaccine Injury MEDICO-legal Study Group
Email: savims@savims.org
Website: https://savims.org.za