South Africa Suspends Use of AstraZeneca Vaccine

South Africa suspends the start of the vaccination campaign with AstraZeneca’s corona vaccine. The authorities fear that the drug is less effective against the South African variant of the coronavirus.

The decision followed the results of a new study. This shows that the drug would only offer “minimal” protection against mild or moderate symptoms.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said his government is waiting for the advice of scientists. “We think our vaccine still protects against serious complaints,” said vaccine maker AstraZeneca.

South Africa had already introduced a million doses of the corona vaccine but had yet to start vaccinating.

The relatively cheap drug has already been approved in the EU, but several countries decided not to vaccinate people over 65 for the time being. It would be unclear whether the drug is sufficiently successful in that group.

The South African decision not to vaccinate for the time being has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in the world. The government of Australia rushed to reassure citizens on Monday.

“There is currently no evidence that the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines have become less effective in preventing serious disease or death,” said Health Minister Greg Hunt.