Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine approved for UK rollout
The vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved for use in the UK, which has become the first country in the world to sanction the use of a fully-tested jab for the coronavirus.
The vaccine, which reportedly has a 95% efficacy against coronavirus, is ready for rollout according to the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Yesterday it was reported that international rollout of the vaccine is expected to be delayed until early next year owing to pushback by EU regulation boards.
The US is expected to have confirmation by mid-December.
Elderly people and frontline workers will the first to be immunised in the NHS's inoculation scheme, and 800,000 doses are ready to be shipped as early as next week.
The government said: “The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week. The NHS has decades of experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes and will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to provide care and support to all those eligible for vaccination.”
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The vaccine went from concept to reality in just ten months. The UK has already ordered 40 million doses of the jab, enough to cover 20 million people.
10% of the country's order is expected by the end of the year.
China and Russia approved Covid vaccines for early or limited use but were criticised by health professionals for being too hasty due to phase III trials having not commenced at that stage.
China has immunised over 1 million people with an experimental jab since July and Russia have been vaccinating frontline workers using its Sputnik V shot before it was confirmed as safe and effective.
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the BBC: "The bulk of the rollout will be next year. 2020 has been just awful and 2021 is going to be better.
"I'm confident now, with the news today, that from spring, from Easter onwards, things are going to be better. And we're going to have a summer next year that everybody can enjoy."
Outside of the NHS's approved temporary vaccination centres, Britons will be able to receive the jab at their GP or a hospital. The NHS has a very clear priority list for inoculation.
Mass immunisation of people over 50 as well as younger people with pre-existing health conditions can be expected as more doses become available.
The vaccine is administered in two doses, 21 days apart, with the second being given as a booster. It takes a few weeks for immunity to build.
Both Pfizer and BioNtech have declared the UK's approval as a "historic moment" in the fight against coronavirus.
They admit the vaccine has a far higher efficacy rate than they expected and are pleased with the results of the phase III trials.
It uses new mRNA technology which imprints genetic code from the coronavirus that teaches the body to build immunity from the disease.
A vaccine using this highly experimental technology has never been approved for use on humans before.
Gene therapy is considered to be a major milestone in medical technology and many companies are paving the way for its use in other areas.
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The vaccine must be stored at -70°C in special boxes packed in dry ice to be transported safely, after which it can be stored in a fridge for up to five days.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson added: "It's the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again."
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