SA has recorded the most coronavirus infections and deaths in Africa, at more than 1.4 million cases and over 44,000 deaths to date.
Since late last year, the country has been battling a more contagious virus variant called 501Y.V2.
The vaccine shots will be checked over roughly 10 to 14 days before they will be distributed to the nine provinces and inoculations can begin.
The shots will only cover a portion of SA's 1.25 million health workers.
SA's first Covid-19 vaccine doses arrive by plane
Image: GCIS
The aeroplane carrying SA's first Covid-19 vaccine doses landed at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Monday, SABC reported, as the country prepares to roll out an immunisation campaign.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and other top officials were at the airport to receive the 1 million doses, after some scientists publicly criticised the government for not securing shots sooner.
The AstraZeneca doses, produced by the Serum Institute of India, are destined for sorely stretched health-care workers.
SA has recorded the most coronavirus infections and deaths in Africa, at more than 1.4 million cases and over 44,000 deaths to date.
Since late last year, the country has been battling a more contagious virus variant called 501Y.V2.
The vaccine shots will be checked over roughly 10 to 14 days before they will be distributed to the nine provinces and inoculations can begin.
The shots will only cover a portion of SA's 1.25 million health workers.
WATCH LIVE | President Ramaphosa receives first shipment of Covid-19 vaccine
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