Pfizer jab for minors ‘further progress’ in battle against Covid
Medical experts say Covid-19 vaccines being rolled out to children will be progress in the country's efforts to reach more people and help reduce the risk of severe illness.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the use of the Pfizer jab for children 12 years and older.
It made the decision after reviewing updated safety and efficacy information submitted in March this year.
It also comes as South Africa began its children's vaccine trial on Friday as part of a SinoVac study involving five countries.
Infectious diseases expert Professor Ian Sanne says although children are less likely to get sick or die from Covid-19, its still important to protect them.
"We did not have many children becoming infected due to the lockdown and school closure now that schools. Now that schools are open, we are seeing higher incidents of Covid amongst children.
"We do need to vaccinate our adolescent population so those over 12 to reduce the incidents of severe disease and or death.”
Deputy chairperson of the South African Medical Association, Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, says the Pfizer jab should be taken to schools once the rollout for children has been finalised.
"It would be easier if they go where the children are, usually in schools, where they are usually in numbers. It shouldn't be how we did it in the first phase of our vaccination where you find that the government was expecting people to go for the vaccine whereas the a=vaccine must go to the people."
