Sahpra approves Pfizer booster shot
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has approved a booster shot for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.
Pfizer was given the green light for use in the country in March this year.
Last month, Sahpra received an application from the vaccine manufacturer to amend the dosing schedule to allow for an optional third booster shot.
Sahpra announced on Wednesday it had approved the application, allowing a third dose of the vaccine for adults at least six months after the second dose.
This also means children who are severely immunocompromised are eligible for a third dose at least 28 days after the second dose.
“The data provided only dealt with the situation of homologous boosting, where the third dose is of the same vaccine as the initial course (in this case, two doses),” Sahpra said in a statement.
“Sahpra is aware of the keen interest in the efficacy and safety of heterologous boosting regimens, so-called “mix-and-match” approaches, and invites submission of supportive data in this regard.”
The South African Medical Association welcomed the move by the health products regulator.
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