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Private Bag X828, PRETORIA, 0001, Civitas Building, 242 Struben Street, Pretoria
TO:
HEADS OF PROVINCIAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
HEADS OF PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES
DISTRICT AND PHC MANAGERS
COVID-19 VACCINE PROGRAMME MANAGERS
COVID-19 VACCINATION SITE MANAGERS
LAST CHANCE TO RECEIVE COMIRNATY® (PFIZER) COVID-19 VACCINE
The available COMIRNATY® (PFIZER) COVID-19 vaccines will expire on the 31 October 2023. Health facilities are encouraged to order sufficient COMIRNATY® vaccines to meet demand until the end of October 2023. To ensure availability, the final order date for the COMIRNATY® vaccine will be 18 October 2023.
From 1 November 2023, the COMIRNATY® vaccine will no longer be available. The implication is that the adolescent COVID-19 vaccination programme will be interrupted until a suitable vaccine is available. Please note the following important dates regarding the distribution and use of the COMIRNATY® vaccine.
| Vaccination programme action | Date |
| Final order date for COMIRNATY® vaccine | 18 October 2023 |
| The final COMIRNATY® vaccine will be delivered to provinces | 26 to 28 October 2023 |
| Last date a 1st dose in the primary schedule of COMIRNATY® vaccine can be administered |
9 October 2023 |
| Last date a dose (completion of primary schedule or booster doses) of COMIRNATY® vaccine will be administered |
31 October 2023 |
The vaccination of 5 to 11-year-old children will continue with the COMIRNATY® paediatric vaccines until 31 December 2023. Persons older than 18 years will still be able to access the COVID-19 vaccine Janssen®.
Healthcare providers and persons requiring COMIRNATY® vaccine for travel purposes should take note of these dates to ensure the timely administration of vaccines and be prepared for the vaccine availability change from 1 November, 2023. It is crucial to stay updated with any further guidance or changes related to the vaccination programme.
DR N CRISP
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: HEALTH
DATE: 28 September 2023
