NATIONAL NEWS - The Astra Zeneca vaccines that South Africa had acquired have been sold to other African Union (AU) member states.

The Health Ministry in a statement confirmed at the weekend that the sale has been concluded and said it has been working in the past weeks to ensure that all member states identified by the AU vaccine acquisition team as recipients of the vaccines, are compliant and have obtained all regulatory approvals, permits and licenses to roll out the vaccines in their respective countries.

"The full purchase amount was received by the department on Monday last week. The AU and South African teams then ensured that all logistical arrangements are in place for the shipment of the vaccines. 

"The first batch of vaccines that is being delivered will benefit nine member states. The balance will be collected this week to be delivered to five other countries," said the ministry.

South Africa had received 1 million AstraZeneca doses from the Serum Institute of India, but halted the vaccination campaign because of a small trial showing the vaccine offered minimal protection against mild to moderate illness caused by the dominant local coronavirus variant, 501Y.V2.

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