The Health Department has described news of the Coronavac COVID-19 vaccine’s approval as a turning point and much-needed relief for the country.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) on Saturday announced that it’s given the green light for the use of Sinovac’s Coronavac locally.
The approval of the double-dose Chinese jab was subject to certain conditions, including that its manufacturers submit final results of ongoing clinical data.
The vaccine can be issued to those between the ages of 18 and 59.
Acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said the approval was a turning point for the country’s much-criticized vaccine rollout drive.
The nation has breached the two million mark of confirmed COVID-19 cases and reached a new record of new daily infections in the latest reporting cycle.
“This approval came at a time when the government was implementing an extended and multi-pronged vaccination programme to reach as many people. So, this will enable the government to initiate procurement processes to secure more vaccines,” said ministerial spokesperson Hlengiwe Nhlabathi-Mokota.
The department also thanked Sahpra for its sense of urgency at this critical time.
“More information on the vaccine including the level of safety and efficacy against the current dominant Delta variant will be made available at a later stage once a formal report has been received from Sahpra,” said Nhlabathi-Mokota.
-EWN
In other news – Pretty (Lerato Marabe) from Skeem Saam sets the record straight – Denies being married
Skeem Saam’s Lerato Marabe refutes claims she’s married on Sports At 10. She says she was attending a friend’s wedding. Actress Lerato Marabe, who is known for her role as Pretty Seakamela on Skeem Saam, has put cold water to rumours that she is married.
Marabe, who appeared on SABC1’s show Sport At 10 with Thomas Mlambo. However, she said that she was a guest at a friend’s wedding and was not getting married as reported by the media. Learn More
