South Africa’s planned coronavirus vaccination campaign will now be launched with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, instead of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine whose effectiveness is currently being questioned. South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced this Wednesday.
Recall on Sunday, South African authorities halted the start of an ambitious vaccination program, which was to take place in the coming days with one million AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, after a study showed “limited” efficacy against the local variant of the virus, known as 501Y.V2.
According to the initial results of this study, the vaccine is only 22 percent effective against moderate forms of the South African variant. No results are yet available on its efficacy against severe forms.
Zweli Mkhize announced the vaccination program, but did not specify a date for the launch of the campaign.
“Given the results of the efficacy studies, (the government) will continue the planned first phase of vaccination using Johnson & Johnson vaccines instead of AstraZeneca vaccine,” “The efficacy of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine against the 501Y.V2 variant has been proven,” he said.
Currently, South Africa, has ordered nine million doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine, with the first small shipment expected next week.
The minister said the first shipment is likely to be used as “research stock”.
South African pharmaceutical company Aspen, the licensed manufacturer of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, “is very committed to accelerating production in South Africa,” Zweli Mkhize added, saying the first doses would be available in April.
