Question NW267 to the Minister of Health
11 March 2021 - NW267
Thembekwayo, Dr S to ask the Minister of Health
Whether the Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been found to be effective against the variant of the coronavirus detected in the Republic; if not; why not; if so, on what date(s) (a) were the tests concluded and (b) was the specified vaccine approved?
Reply:
a) On 29 January 2021 Johnson&Johnson released the results of their phase 3a clinical trial done in various countries including South Africa. The results of the trial indicate that the vaccine is 85% effective against preventing hospitalization and severe Covid-19 and 100% effective against death. The vaccine is also effective against the 501Y.V2 variant which is predominant in South Africa and was 57% effective in preventing moderate to severe symptoms.
b) The Johnson&Johnson vaccine has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States of America. We anticipate that Johnson and Johnson will also submit a similar application to SAHPRA for consideration.
END.