1st Batch of Pfizer Vaccine Lands in SA, Various Debates Start Online
- The first batch of the Pfizer vaccine landed in South Africa on Sunday evening at OR Tambo International Airport
- Reports say approximately 325 000 vaccines have arrived with 4.5 million in total expected by the end of June
- The vaccines' arrival opened various discussions on social media among South Africans, who raised concerns on a number of levels
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The first batch of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine arrived in South Africa on Sunday evening, 2 May. Reports say that around 325 000 doses of the vaccine landed at OR Tambo International Airport.
Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize stated that the country will receive around 4.5 million doses by the end of next month. South Africa will start the distribution process of the vaccination as soon as it gets the green light from the National Control Laboratory.
Source: Getty Images
The National Control Laboratory will be assessing the vaccine for quality assurance. South Africans have taken to social media to discuss the vaccine and what the arrival of the treatment means for the country.
Briefly News took to Twitter under Dr Mkhize's post to see what some Saffas are saying. Read some of the tweets below:
@XUFFLER asked:
"Ithini expiry date???"
@Mkhaya52409076 posed the following question:
"How many years will it take to vaccinate South Africans?"
@vusiwena wrote:
"Did you check the expiry date?? Where is the PR president?? Is he not welcoming the vaccine this time?"
@QadeeR313 said:
"Thank you, dear minister. The best vaccine here against Covid-19. #PfizerVaccine."
@Ashleigh2104 shared the below:
"402 days in lockdown. Only another 24 years to go before we achieve herd immunity. Easier to leave this place and go live virus-free in another country."
@djthamzasa made this suggestion:
"Minister I'm scared what is happening in India might happen in South Africa, please secure our borders and enforce strong Covid-19 [measures] to protect South Africa."
Previously, Briefly News reported that the rollout of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine has resumed. The vaccine was put on hold after a few recipients in the US were found to have developed rare blood clots after being vaccinated.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) reportedly did not find any evidence of the blood clots forming in South Africans who had received the J&J vaccine. Reports say that health authorities believe there is a one-in-a-million chance of developing a blood clot.
The country is still in Phase 1 of the Sisonke Vaccination Programme, which involves healthcare workers. Phase 1 is expected to conclude on 16 May.
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Source: Briefly News
