Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot was approved by South African health regulators on Thursday as the Omicron variant of the disease continues to disrupt the nation’s handling of the pandemic. The move paved the way for the third dose of vaccines.

South Africa has experienced a sharp increase in the number of COVID infections over the past week, with 22, 391 cases being recorded over the last 24 hours. In early November, the country registered about 200 cases per day.

Also Read: No evidence of deaths due to Omicron variant yet, says WHO

According to reports from Associated Press citing genetic sequencing surveys, more than 90% of the new cases are attributed to the Omicron variant.

Health Products Regulatory Authority of South Africa approved the vaccine booster shot for those who received the initial dose six months ago and are above the age of 18.

The regulatory body also approved a third dose for people aged 12 years and older who were “severely immunocompromised,” which may be taken 28 days after their second dose.

Also Read: Omicron may be able to break prior infection immunity: South African study

The healthcare body further encouraged COVID vaccine manufacturers to provide data regarding the use of different vaccines on an individual, known as “mix-and-match.”

The approval came Wednesday, shortly after Pfizer announced that a laboratory study showed its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine had reduced efficacy against the omicron variant but said that a booster shot was still effective against omicron.

On Thursday President Cyril Ramaphosa met with the COVID-19 ministerial advisory committee to discuss the rising number of infections and the impact of the spread of the omicron variant, according to reports from Associated Press.

Also Read: Delta vs Omicron: Two COVID variants of concern

Ramaphosa and his expert advisers were also expected to discuss the burning issue of whether the government should make vaccines mandatory. Some private companies and universities have already announced they will implement vaccine mandates.

Just over 14 million South Africans have been fully vaccinated, representing 36% of the adult population and about 24% of the total population.

(With AP inputs)