DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA - FEBRUARY 18: Covid 19 Vaccination report card during the official launch of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out programme at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital on February 18, 2021 in Durban South Africa. According to a media release, the Premier and MEC also presided over the province's first round of vaccinations, which will see several frontline workers being vaccinated. (Photo by Darren Stewart/Gallo Images via Getty Images)
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told parliament on Thursday that the original figure of inoculating 40-million people against Covid-19 to achieve herd immunity may have to be revised upwards.
This follows the arrival of 80 000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Based on a clinical study, the vaccine provides 85% protection against a severe case of Covid-19, 57% protection against moderate to severe illness and 100% protection against death, said the department’s deputy director-general, Anban Pillay.
Here are the eight things you need to know about the vaccine rollout so far:
- Between 300 000 and 500 000 vaccines are expected to arrive in South Africa in the next two months;
- A tender for storage of the vaccine has been advertised and the price is still to be determined;
- R20-billion will be put aside for vaccine procurement;
- The government is looking at ways for South Africa to manufacture its own vaccine;
- Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Sinofarm have been approached for further vaccine procurement;
- No private companies will be allowed to procure the vaccines;
- An electronic registration system will be used to determine who still needs to be vaccinated; and
- In April, in the second phase of the vaccine rollout, teachers and learners will be prioritised.