According to a statement on Saturday, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority backed the double-dose vaccine developed by Sinovac's Life Sciences unit albeit with conditions.

"Although the data submitted are considered acceptable at this point, the authorization is subject to several conditions. Specifically, the applicant is required to submit the final results of ongoing clinical studies. SAHPRA also took account of the World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing report on this vaccine," said SAHPRA.

The move comes at a time South Africa has started rolling out its immunization to people aged 50 and older.

The country, which has only vaccinated about six percent of the population, is in the middle of a devastating third wave with the more infectious delta variant becoming widespread.

SAHPRA's conditions include satisfactory results of ongoing studies and periodic safety updates.