The South African Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) booster Covid-19 booster shot.

A second dose of the J&J vaccine can now be administered at least 2 months after the primary vaccination in people 18 years and older.

In a statement, SAHPRA also confirmed that anyone who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine can get a J&J booster shot: “A booster dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen (0.5 mL) may be administered as a heterologous booster dose following completion of primary vaccination with an approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The dosing interval for the heterologous booster dose is the same as that authorised for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination.”

SAHPRA added that it has reviewed the safety and efficacy data provided. The second phase of the Sisonke Study started on 10 November when health workers became eligible for a second dose of the J&J Covid-19 vaccine.

The Department of Health is yet to confirm a rollout of J&J booster shots.