SA health regulator - The African Mirror

Apr

2024

South Africa recalls J&J’s cough syrup sold in six African nations after suspected toxicity

SOUTH Africa's health regulator said that it is recalling batches of Johnson & Johnson's children's cough syrup after the detection of high levels of diethylene glycol. The affected batches were sold in South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria, the statement added. The recall follows a report by the regulator's Nigerian counterpart on Wednesday, which first detected the toxin in a batch of Benylin Paediatric Syrup. Kenya and Nigeria have already issued recalls for the same syrup, which is used in the treatment of hay fever and other allergic conditions affecting the upper respiratory tract. Kenvue, which now owns the Benylin brand…

Aug

2022

By The African Mirror

South Africa reports first death causally linked to COVID vaccine

COVID-19

SOUTH Africa's health regulator reported a causal link between the death of an individual and Johnson & Johnson's (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine, the first time such a direct link has been made in the country. The person presented with rare neurological disorder Guillain-Barre Syndrome soon after being given J&J's Janssen vaccine, after which the person was put on a ventilator and later died, senior scientists told a news conference. "At the time of illness no other cause for the Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) could be identified," Professor Hannelie Meyer said. The person's age and other personal details were not disclosed for confidentiality reasons.…

Feb

2022

By The African Mirror

South African regulator approves Sinopharm COVID vaccine

COVID-19

SOUTH Africa's health regulator said on Monday it had approved a COVID-19 vaccine from China's Sinopharm, although a senior health official said the government was not planning to procure doses for now. South Africa, the country worst hit by the pandemic in Africa in terms of reported COVID-19 infections and deaths, has used the Pfizer-BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson (J&J) shots in its vaccination campaign. The government delayed some vaccine deliveries late last year because of oversupply as hesitancy slowed the uptake. Drugs regulator SAHPRA said in a statement the Sinopharm approval was based on "acceptable safety, quality and efficacy data…

Jun

2021

By The African Mirror

S.A assess efficacy of Sinopharm vaccine

COVID-19

SOUTH Africa's health regulator has received documentation for China's Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine and will evaluate the data to assess the efficacy of the shot. Now in the grip of a third wave of infections, South Africa is inoculating its population with Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccines, but the rollout has been slow partly due to setbacks in supply. It has vaccinated just over 2 million people, 3.6% of its population, one of the world's lowest rates. Authorities have faced pressure from South African radical opposition party the Economic Freedom Fighters to authorise the use of Russian and Chinese vaccines…

Apr

2021

By The African Mirror

Lifting of J&J vaccine pause recommended

COVID-19

SOUTH Africa's health regulator has recommended that the government lift the pause on administering drugmaker Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccines, given that certain conditions are met. "These conditions include, but are not limited to, strengthened screening and monitoring of participants who are at high risk of a blood clotting disorder," the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said. "In addition, measures are to be implemented to ensure the safe management of any participants who develop vaccine-induced thrombosis and thrombocytopenia (VITT)," the statement added. SAHPRA said on Wednesday that it had recently reviewed data from Johnson & Johnson's local research…