Covid 19 pandemic had a multi sectoral impact on South Africa, including a significant socioeconomic impact, and an impact on healthcare cost. One intervention to rapidly interrupt Covid 19 transmission is an effective vaccination.
There are currently over 240 Covid 19 vaccines in development worldwide, with over 42 in clinical trials and several that have emerged as being effective after phase 3 studies. The data suggests these vaccines are safe and effective.
A Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid 19 Vaccines has been appointed consisting of experts in the field. They have developed a strategy to ensure equitable access to vaccines. The strategy includes the various purchasing mechanisms, funding implications, local manufacturing opportunities and identifying priority groups for vaccination