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SA health regulator approves use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been given regulatory approval.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) has approved the use of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine.

Permission was granted on March 31 in terms of Section 15(6a) of the Medicines and Related Substance Act 101 of 1965.

“The authorisation is, however, subject to a number of conditions, which includes that the vaccine is supplied and administered in accordance with the National Department of Health Covid-19 vaccination plan and applicable guidelines,” said Sahpra chief executive officer, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela.

“Further conditions relate to the reporting of the results of ongoing studies and conformance with pharmaco-vigilance activities as outlined in the approved risk management plan, including the submission of periodic safety updates.”

The Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine is administered using a single dose injection.

Side effects, according to current clinical trial evidence, are usually mild or moderate and clear up within a few of days. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, headache, tiredness, muscle pain and nausea.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that South Africa has secured 30 million Johnson & Johnson vaccines; and that 220 million jabs will leave the Aspen Pharmacare’s production line for use across the African continent.

The President made the announcement on Monday when he and his deputy, David Mabuza, visited the Aspen Pharmacare sterile manufacturing facility at Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

NEWS24.COM

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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