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The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, SAHPRA, has authorised the use of China’s Sinovac vaccine, known as the Coronavac, but with conditions.
SAHPRA released a statement on Saturday, stating that part of the vaccine’s conditions is that the applicant is required to submit the final results of ongoing clinical studies.
The manufacturer will also have to provide any information that comes into its possession relating to risk conditions of use and efficacy of the product.
Acting Health Minister, Mamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane says the announcement is a turning point and much-needed relief for the country`s vaccination rollout programme.
She says the approval came at a time when the government is implementing an expanded vaccination programme to reach as many people as possible, while the infection numbers continue to increase at an alarming rate.
The Minister says this will enable the government to initiate procurement processes to secure more vaccines.
She says more information about this vaccine, including the level of safety and efficacy against the current dominant Delta variant in South Africa will be made public at a later stage, once a formal report has been received from SAHPRA.
