Sinovac vaccine approved in South Africa

A spike in infections in Africa’s most industrialized country has filled hospitals, especially in the main city of Johannesburg, and has forced overworked medical staff to struggle to find enough beds for critically ill patients.

Just over 5% of South Africans have been vaccinated – or 3.3 million in a population of just under 60 million. There have been 2 million cases so far, although low testing rates in rural areas mean the real figure is likely higher, health experts say.

After initial doubts due to lack of transparency in clinical trial data, Sinovac Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine is emerging as a powerful tool against the virus. Data from Uruguay released last month showed that it was more than 90% effective in reducing ICU admissions and deaths.

– .