Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has announced that the first batch of 325 260 vaccines from Pfizer has arrived in South Africa.
The doses of the jab landed at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday night.
According to IOL, Mkhize said samples will be sent to the National Control Laboratory for quality assurance before being released to provinces.
“They have engaged all security agencies to ensure all necessary security procedures are in place for safe delivery of the vaccines and made the necessary arrangements with the police.
The first batch of Pfizer vaccines
have landed at OR Tambo International Airport. pic.twitter.com/eOlrWWBkfl— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 3, 2021
“…the entire batch will be transported initially to a central warehouse.
“Samples will be sent to the National Control Laboratory for quality assurance and, after release, will be distributed to the provinces,” Mkhize was quoted as saying.
The health ministry expects to receive 1.4 million doses of Pfizer by the end of May, which will be delivered weekly in batches of more than 325 000.
South Africa’s vaccination drive currently hinges on jabs produced by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer, EWN reported.
More than 318 600 healthcare workers have so far received their Johnson & Johnson vaccines through the Sisonke trial.
Meanwhile, the health minister has confirmed 11 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing the country’s death toll to over 54 417.
Mkhize said the total number of infections is now over 1 584 064.
Picture: Twitter/@DrZweliMkhize