Harare (New Ziana)-The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) on Tuesday authorised the use of the US Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine in the country.

Zimbabwe’s vaccination campaign started in February using the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine before broadening the inoculations to include other drugs such as Sinovac, also from China, Covaxin
from India and Sputnik V from Russia.

The approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine brings to five the number of vaccines so far approved for use locally.

In a memo directed to the Secretary for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, acting MCAZ director general Richard Rukwata said the authorisation of Johnson and Jonhson vaccine is valid for a year.
“Based on the review of the submitted quality, safety and efficacy data and upon performing a benefit- risk assessment thereof, emergency use authorisation has been granted for Ad26.SARS- Cov2-S manufactured by Johnson and Johnson.

“This authorisation was issued on the basis of Section 75 of the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act (Chapter 15:03).

“This emergency use authorisation is valid for a period of 12 months or when the Public health emergency ends, whichever is shorter,” he said.

So far, just over 1.5 million Zimbabweans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Zimbabwe’s inoculation programme has been rated well ahead of all countries in Southern Africa in terms of procurement and administration of Covid-19 vaccines.

For example, a deliberate approach to vaccinate the entire adult population in Victoria Falls has enabled the City to attain herd immunity and to resume normal tourism activities.

New Ziana