The first batch of the Pfizer vaccine (325,260 doses) was expected to land at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 2 May, just before midnight, the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize, announced.
He said a safety plan for the vaccines had been designed by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints), and all security agencies would be engaged to ensure that the necessary security procedures were in place for safe delivery of the vaccine.
“Upon arrival the entire batch will be transported initially to a central warehouse. Samples will be sent to the National Control Laboratory for quality assurance and, after release, will be distributed to the provinces.
First batch of Pfizer vaccines expected in SA by midnight on Sunday Staff Reporter > By Staff Reporter - 02 May 2021 - 16:17 A health worker receives her Covid-19 vaccine. File photo. Image: Thapelo Morebudi/Sunday Times
The first batch of Pfizer vaccines 325,260 doses is expected to arrive in SA shortly before midnight on Sunday amid strict security measures, health minister Zweli Mkhize said in a statement.
“The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has considered all the security arrangements from when the vaccine lands at OR Tambo International, to when it is transported to the vaccination sites,” he said.
“They have engaged all security agencies to ensure all necessary security procedures are in place for safe delivery of the vaccines and made the necessary arrangements with the police.”
GCIS
Health Minister Zeli Mkhize says that Pfizer vaccines will land in the country on Sunday night.
This initial delivery will be followed by the arrival of approximately the same number of doses on a weekly basis.
Healthcare workers, including traditional healers and citizens above the age of 60, are encouraged to register on the EVDS.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says the first batch of Pfizer vaccines will land at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday evening.
The first 325 260 doses would arrive at 23:45, Mkhize said in a statement. Upon arrival, the entire batch will be transported initially to a central warehouse. Samples will be sent to the National Control Laboratory for quality assurance and, after release, will be distributed to the provinces, he said.
Sunday 2 May 2021 - 4:29pm
File: A healthcare worker prepares a dose of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine.
AFP/Jack Guez
Over 325,000 doses will be received at OR Tambo International Airport.
A sample will be sent to the National Control Laboratory for quality assurance.
The vaccine will then be distributed soon as it gets the greenlight.
South Africa has procured 1,3-million doses for May, which will be delivered in batches on a weekly basis.
Health Minister Zweli Mkhize says South Africa will have 4,5 million doses by the end of June.
Source
First batch of Pfizer vaccines expected in SA by midnight on Sunday timeslive.co.za - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from timeslive.co.za Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.