The Department of Health has announced that Covid-19 booster doses will start rolling out from this Friday (24 December 2021).
The regulator, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) approved the use of Pfizer vaccine as a booster of the primary Pfizer vaccine two-dose series some time ago.
This approval is for the vaccination of people six months after the administration of the second dose – or in the case of immunocompromised people who receive an additional primary dose, after their third dose.
SAHPRA has also approved the use of the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine for boosters of the single-dose primary J&J schedule at least 2 months after primary vaccination.
From 24 December 2021, the National Vaccination Programme will provide J&J booster vaccinations to anyone who received their last dose at least 2 months prior (24th October 2021 or before and from then on at least 2 months interval).
The recommended interval is after 2 months, but preferably before 6 months from the primary dose.
From 28th December 2021, the National Vaccination Programme will provide Pfizer booster vaccinations to anyone who received their last dose at least 6 months since the second primary dose.
Booster doses are the same vaccine in the same dose administered to people who have had a primary vaccination series and are administered to allow the body to boost its immunity to the Covid-19 virus.
| Vaccine | Age group | Wait period | Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| J&J second dose | Healthcare workers (Sisonke) | N/A | 10 November 2021 |
| Pfizer second dose | Children 12 – 17 | 42 days after first dose | 9 December 2021 |
| J&J second dose | Everyone who received a first dose | 2 months after first dose | 24 December 2022 |
| Pfizer third dose | 18 and older | 6 months after second dose | 28 December 2022 |
Read: When you can get your third Covid-19 booster shot in South Africa
Artmotion S.Africa
