JOHANNESBURG, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Department of Health on Monday announced a reduction in intervals between the first and second COVID-19 jabs and booster shots.
The Department said based on scientific evidence, the interval between the first and second Pfizer vaccine will be reduced from 42 days to 21 days with effect from February 23.
"All individuals who are fully vaccinated with Pfizer vaccine, meaning they have received both doses, will now be eligible for booster dose 90 days (or three months) after the second dose instead of the current 180 days (or six months) interval," said National spokesperson for the department Foster Mohale.
All those over 18-year-old who have received one dose of the Johnson and Johnson jab are eligible for booster shots for the same vaccine or Pfizer one after 60 days with effect from Monday.
"The decision regarding which vaccine to administer as a booster should be guided by vaccine availability. Thus, if both vaccines are available at the vaccination site, homologous boosting should be preferred, unless the vaccine requests to receive a heterologous or different booster dose, or has a history of experiencing an adverse event following immunization," he said.
In the beginning, people were required to wait 14 days to receive the COVID-19 vaccine after any other vaccination. However, the government said it is no longer necessary.
The department said they are updating the Electronic Vaccine Data System (EVDS) registering those who received COVID-19 vaccines outside the country so that they can receive booster shots.
Mohale urged people to get vaccinated, saying it is the most effective weapon against the pandemic and provides protection against COVID-19 infection. ■