South Africa has put its rollout of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on hold after a study showed “disappointing” results against its new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variant.
Scientists said the strain accounts for 90 percent of new COVID-19 cases in the country.
The study, involving around 2,000 people, found the vaccine offered “minimal protection” against mild and moderate cases of COVID-19.
South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said on Sunday that the government will wait for further advice on how to proceed with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in light of the findings.
South Africa has received one million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines and due to start vaccination drive next week.
The health minister said the government will offer vaccines produced by Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer in the coming weeks.(BBC)
