SA approves Pfizer, J&J vaccine booster shots for all

PRETORIA — South Africa's Department of Health yesterday announced details of the implementation of booster doses for the COVID-19 vaccines in use in the country.

All South Africans can now receive a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.

“This approval is for the vaccination of people six months after the administration of the second dose (or in the case of immunocompromised people who receive an additional primary dose, after their third dose),” the Department of Health said in a statement.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) also approved the use of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine for boosters of the single dose primary J&J schedule at least two months after primary vaccination.

Yesterday, the department announced the details of the implementation of booster doses for the COVID-19 vaccines in use in the country after receiving advice from the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Vaccines for COVID-19.

“From December 24 (today), the National Vaccination Programme will provide J&J booster vaccinations to anyone who received their last dose at least two months prior (from October 24 2021 or before) and from then on at least two months interval.

“The recommended interval is after two months but preferably before six months from the primary dose,” the department said.

“From December 28, the National Vaccination Programme will provide Pfizer booster vaccinations to anyone who received their last dose at least six months since the second primary dose,” it added.

Booster doses are the same vaccine in the same dose administered to people who have had a primary vaccination series and are administered to allow the body to boost its immunity to the COVID-19 virus.