South Africa approves Pfizer vaccine for over 12-year-old

The South African health regulator has approved the use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12 and older, paving the way for adolescent vaccination.

The Health Products Authority (SAHPRA) said the decision came following a review of updated information on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine presented in March.

After a difficult start, South Africa’s vaccination campaign has intensified in recent months with a large stock of doses secured and just over 12% of its roughly 60 million inhabitants vaccinated.

About 28% of South Africans are under the age of 15.