SAHPRA explains why Sputnik V not yet approved
The health products regulator has explained why the Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine has not yet been approved for use in South Africa.
The Russian jab has been a talking point with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) this week saying it would picket at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority’s offices until it's use is allowed here.
SAHPRA board chairperson, Professor Helen Rees says the makeup of the vaccine has raised some concerns.
READ: Informal sector next in line for jab rollout
"Sputnik has got two adenovirus components, one we call Ad5 and Ad26.
“Some time ago, there was an HIV vaccine trial that was undertaken in South Africa called Phambili and also in the United States called The Step Study - and this was an adenovirus and ad-5 vaccine, but to prevent HIV both sites were stopped early because there was a suggestion the vaccine with this Ad5 vector might increase the risk of HIV amongst men who were uncircumcised."
