Question NW3667 to the Minister of Health
24 October 2022 - NW3667
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Health
In light of the fact that his department is currently vaccinating people with Mnra and vector COVID-19 vaccine and on 31 January 2022 the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority approved inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (details furnished), what is his department doing to ensure that inactivated COVID-19 vaccine is included in the national vaccination programme?
Reply:
South Africa has procured vaccines from two manufacturers for use in the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Based on the current vaccination rate, South Africa currently has sufficient stock of COVID-19 vaccines to meet current requirements. There are thus no immediate plans to purchase additional vaccines. Both vaccines have demonstrated efficacy and safety based on clinical studies that have been undertaken, the results of which have been published in peer reviewed medical journals.
There is no legislation in South Africa that compels manufacturers to limit the sale of medicines and vaccines to government alone. The vaccine manufacturers may market their commodities in accordance with the Medicines and Related Substances Act, (Act 101 of 1965).
Therefore, all other vaccines registered by SAHPRA may be made available to the public should the applicant/manufacturer decide to market the vaccine. However, this is a decision that is made by the applicant/manufacturer.
END.