COVID-19: Sinovac says SAHPRA’s approval of CoronaVac comes at the right time
Sinovac-Numolux on Sunday said the emergency use of a third vaccine in the country could not have come at a better time considering the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases.
The Chinese-made CoronaVac vaccine is the latest jab to be approved in South Africa, joining Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, after the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) made the announcement on Saturday.
The double dose shot, which has a provisional two-year shelf life, can be administered to those aged 18 to 59 with a spacing of two to four weeks between doses.
Once contractual, logistical, and other agreements are concluded, the nation will receive its first batch of 2.5 million doses.
At this stage, Sinovac has committed to provide a total of five million doses.
Numolux, Sinovac’s local representative body, said considering the rising cases and the country’s lagging vaccine drive, news of another vaccine were welcome.
“The approval is hugely significant because for us, the important thing is heard immunity. The fact that we are able to help and make a contribution and making Sinovac available is really just almost consequential,” COO Anton Arendse said.
The Department of Health said the CoronaVac vaccine’s approval was a turning point and much-needed relief for the country’s ailing vaccine drive.
EFF Welcomes The Approval Of Coronavac Vaccine For Use Against Covid-19 In South Africa #ThankYouEFF pic.twitter.com/I6nfxGSvhH
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) July 3, 2021
-EWN
In other news – Inside Sithelo Shozi’s surprise baby shower for her second child – MaMkhize’s son Andile Mpisane suspected to be the father
Sithelo Shozi has a bun in the oven and many are convinced that Andile Mpisane is the father. Sithelo took to her IG stories to share snaps from the dreamy occasion under the hashtag #SitheloPopsAgain. The event organized by, Londiwe Ndwandwe, was attended by close family and friends. Judging by the decorations, Shozi is expecting a baby girl.
It was indeed a beautiful occasion. The mother-to-be was dressed in all black and later sighted in a pink dress. They had personal chefs come and prepare the food. Learn More
