The release of SA’s first commercial shipment of Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J’s) Covid-19 vaccine from Aspen Pharmacare’s Gqeberha facility is being delayed as a “precautionary” safety measure after problems at a US company contracted by J&J to make a key vaccine ingredient, health minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Sunday.

While Pfizer’s planned deliveries are still on track, with the first shipment of 325,260 doses expected on Sunday night, the delay in the J&J shots could slow the start of the vaccine rollout, which begins on May 17...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.