Breaking News: First batch of COVID-19 vaccines to arrive in SA next week

Flights carrying vaccines to South Africa will depart India on Sunday, Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize has confirmed.

This batch of vaccines will form part of the first phase of the National Vaccine Rollout Strategy and will be administered to frontline healthcare workers.

“We know that the nation has been keenly anticipating the arrival of vaccines for the Serum Institute of India,” Mkhize said.

Once the vaccines arrive at OT Tambo International Airport, they will undergo some technical processes of quarantine which is specified in the law, Mkhize said during a public webinar on the rollout plan on Wednesday evening

“Reconciliation of how many vials are there, how many are broken and how many we need to send back. These are necessary for the safe distribution of the vaccine,” Mkhize said.

“This process are will take a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 14 days to complete. Upon which we will then be ready to distribute the vaccine to all provinces.”

Mkhize also took the opportunity to thank national government for their key role in procuring the vaccine.

“As a government led initiative, treasury has put its full weight and support behind the programme.”

“They have insured that there are no undue delays, they have granted us the necessary deviations that we have requested and committed to financing additional orders,” Mkhize said.