An analysis by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revealed that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine provides strong protection against severe disease and even death from Covid-19.
The research also shows that the one-shot jab may also reduce the spread of the virus by those who have been vaccinated.
According to the FDA, the J&J vaccine had a 64% efficacy rate in South Africa and 72% in the US, reports IOL.
The New York Times writes that the vaccine showed 86% efficacy against severe forms of C-19 in the US, and 82% against severe disease in SA.
That means a vaccinated person has a far lower risk of being hospitalised or dying from Covid-19.
While the J&J vaccine has a lower efficacy rate than the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech jabs, which are both around 95%, here in SA the J&J vaccine is so far the clear winner.
SA received its first batch of J&J vaccines earlier this month and the second batch of 80 000 is expected to be delivered on Saturday.
Speaking during a debate on the government's roll-out plan, Health Minister Dr. Zweli Mkhize said SA had joined more than 87 countries in the fight against Covid-19.
“Our programme is rapidly gaining momentum. We have vaccinated 23 059 people as of yesterday. We are on course to reach 40 000 by this Wednesday (yesterday)," Mkhize said.
Meanwhile Premier Alan Winde said the rollout of jobs to healthcare workers is progressing well.
The WC has vaccinated 5 389 healthcare workers as of 5pm on Tuesday.