Another Covid-19 Jab Approved For SA? Wait For Monday Says SAHPRA

A big announcement can be expected about a yet-to-be-named Covid-19 jab that will soon be available in South Africa.

The Bulrushes has it on good authority that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) will make the announcement on Monday. 

The vaccine is said to be from China. 

A well-placed source within the organisation, charged with regulating the use of all health products in South Africa, told The Bulrushes that a local company has already been given the green light to distribute the yet-to-be-named jab.

Last year in July, SAHPRA authorised the use of China’s Sinovac vaccine, known as the Coronavac, but with conditions.

Part of the vaccine’s approval conditions was that the applicant was required to submit the final results of ongoing clinical studies.

The approval with conditions came after the Economic Freedom Fighters led by Julius Malema marched to SAHPRA and demanded that the regulator authorise the local use of vaccines made in China and Russia.

Besides, China, Russia, and South Africa have strong bilateral relations – together with Brazil, and India, they form BRICS, a powerful bloc of emerging economies. 

A few days ago, during a Chinese New Year celebration held virtually in South Africa Ambassador Chen Xiaodong spoke of the collaboration between the two nations regarding tackling Covid-19.

“In 2021, under the personal guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Ramaphosa, China and South Africa together celebrated the Communist Party of China’s centenary,” said Ambassador Chen Xiaodong. 

“The leaders of our two countries interacted frequently and deepened mutual political trust. 

“We together overcame the challenges of Covid-19.”

Although Ambassador Chen Xiaodong did not mention the new vaccine that would soon be made available in South Africa, when contacted for comment SAHPRA did not deny there was a new Covid-19 vaccine on the way.

Asked at the weekend about the imminent arrival of a new vaccine for the east, all SAHPRA was prepared to say was: “We are releasing a statement on Monday. Wait for the statement.”