The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority says it is working closely with health-authorities, in other countries, to track and monitor the efficacy and safety of the Pfizer-produced BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, before its roll-out in the country.

SAHPRA this week approved the emergency use of the vaccine in South Africa.

CEO at SAHPRA, Dr. Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela says the approval will see the vaccine’s expedited use, in the country’s mass vaccination programme.

South Africa has ordered 20-million doses of the Pfizer-manufactured-vaccine, with the first shipment expected to arrive here by the end of the month.

SAHPRA has approved the Section 21 application for Pfizer/Biontech Comirnaty Vaccine. This approval is subject to conducting a post Section 21 authorisation efficacy and safety surveillance of Comirnaty vaccine in South Africa

— SAHPRA (@SAHPRA1) March 16, 2021