J&J Vaccine Arrives in SA

By: Mfundo Mabaso

South Africa has welcomed the first delivery of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine, which has been approved by the South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA), arrived at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, in Gauteng, on Tuesday night.

This is a second batch of the COVID-19 vaccine to arrive on South African shores, the first being 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca which was received earlier this month.

The health department later revealed that the 1 million jabs have an expiry date of April this year, and indications that the vaccine has 22% efficacy in preventing mild to moderate cases of the new variant in SA.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the consignment would be moved to a secure facility in Gauteng before being distributed to the various vaccine centres in all provinces.

“Government remains committed to saving lives and protecting livelihoods. All citizens are reminded that adhering to health protocols together with the vaccine remains our best defence against the virus,” said the GCIS.

During the State Of the Nation Address debate, on Tuesday afternoon, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said government has managed to successfully secure 9 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, with the delivery of the first batch of 80,000 on course.

The country’s recovery figure now stands at 1 396 951, representing a recovery rate of 93.5%.