11 million doses, plus an additional 20 million of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccines have been secured. Also being finalised is an agreement for 20 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses.  Together, this supply of vaccines will provide enough doses to vaccinate 41 million people.

As of 1pm, March 30, the Western Cape has 2189 active Covid-19 infections with a total of 279 805 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 266 125 recoveries. A total of 43 549 out of the 53 820 vaccines received to date as part of the Sisonke trial, had been administered by 5pm on March 29, reported Premier Alan Winde. 

Negotiations with the manufacturers of other vaccines such as Sinovac, Sinopharm and Sputnik V are also on the cards. Some of these manufacturers are in the final stages of the approval process for use of the vaccines in South Africa, said Ramaphosa.
In addition, the country will also receive an allocation of vaccine doses through the African Union initiative.

Phase two of the vaccine rollout is scheduled to start mid may, with registrations for vaccines to start in April. People will be encouraged to register on-line, but those without on-line access will be able to register in person.

“We will ensure that we have sufficient doses of effective vaccines to reach population immunity in the shortest possible time,” said President Ramaphosa.

An Electronic Vaccination Data System has been established to manage the vaccine rollout and direct people towards vaccination sites closest to where they live.

“We remain committed to keeping the nation informed on every step in the vaccine rollout process,” said the President.

Picture: Unsplash

 

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