South African Health Products Authority Approves The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

South African Health Products Authority Approves The Johnson & Johnson Vaccine. A few weeks ago, there was so much disappointments when it was announced that the AstraZeneca Vaccine rollout was suspended. This was because, much of the antibody induced by the vaccine was not actually active against the variant circulating in South Africa. Also, the AstraZeneca vaccines that arrived in SA is due to expire in April, which means the rollout wasn’t going to be successful.

Our hope now lies on the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. The first batch of the vaccine arrived in South Africa on Tuesday night. The government has given assurance that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been approved by South African Health Products Authority.

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says the vaccine will be administered at 17 sites. Just like it was planned with the AstraZeneca vaccine, healthcare workers will be given first priority. Some are expected to receive their jabs on Wednesday. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Health Minister Zweli Mkhize will also be vaccinated this afternoon.