South Africa is to dispose of more than 90,000 Pfizer Covid vaccines at the end of this month, when they are due to expire.
It is the country’s first such disposal of coronavirus-related material.
Another 900,000 doses are due to expire in May, and 10.5 million more by the end of July.
The health department says it has enough stock in hand of both Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to vaccinate all eligible citizens. But the Pfizer vaccine has a short shelf life of nine months compared to Johnson & Johnson’s 24 months.
South Africa, which has been the epicentre of the Covid outbreak on the continent, has imported or received donations of more than 39 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine in the last year and more than 20 million of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The authorities are also facing vaccine hesitancy as the pandemic weakens.
About 44% of South African adults have been fully vaccinated against Covid, which falls below an initial target of 67%.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
3 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
3 hours -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
4 hours -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
4 hours -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
4 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
4 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
4 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
4 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
4 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
4 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
4 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
5 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
5 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
5 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
5 hours