Mkhize: SA targets vaccine procurement for majority by end of 2021

Mkhize said the rollout will be phased.  

Frontline and essential workers will be given first preference under phase 1, while phase 2 will include essential workers, the elderly, people with comorbidities and congregate settings such as prisons.  

Phase 3 will also target high-risk populations over the age of 18. 

Mkhize briefed media on Sunday evening on the country’s Covid-19 response and the procurement of the vaccine. 

“Based on Covid-19 advisories and input from other departments, we have setup structures to expedite the financing and procurement of the vaccine. We are mindful of the urgency. 

“We believe that the vaccine must be made available to all South Africans, starting with the frontline care workers and the most vulnerable to ensure that there’re protection for them first as among the most vulnerable groups.”

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He vowed structures are in place to expedite the financing, sourcing and procurement of the vaccine.  

“These vaccines need to be available for the majority of the people, I’d say we need to get them rolled out by the end of 2021. 

“We have to set up structures to expedite financing, sourcing, the procurement and therefore the issues of the vaccine strategy will get undivided attention from the whole of government. We want to assure the public that we are very mindful of the urgency, particularly as we feel the impact of the second wave,” Mkhize said.  

At the end of last year, South Africa paid R283 million towards the COVAX Covid-19 vaccine distribution scheme. 

“We’ve secured the doses that will be acquired through the COVAX which will ensure that we immunise 10% of the population.

“But government is also in high level talks with other manufacturers including Pfizer and Moderna.”  

He added he's confident SA will catch up with countries abroad when rollout begins.