UK became the first country in the world to approve a COVID-19 vaccine for public use and revealed that it will roll out the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine from early next week.
A coronavirus vaccine is the only best way for the whole world to get back to some form of normality within the global pandemic which has killed almost 1.5 million people across the world and toppled the global economy.
“The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for use,” the United Kingdom government said.
“The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.”
The United Kingdom government has formed a vaccine committee which will decide to whom the vaccine will be given on priority bases such as care home residents, health and care staff, extremely vulnerable people and the elder people.
The Pfizer-BioNtech firm have reported initial results of more than 90% effectiveness which was an unexpectedly high rate during trials of their vaccines. The invention is based on new messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
According to the Pfizer CEO, the UK emergency approval for vaccine marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19.
“This authorization is a goal we have been working toward since we first declared that science will win, and we applaud the MHRA for their ability to conduct a careful assessment and take timely action to help protect the people of the U.K.,” said CEO Albert Bourla.
“As we anticipate further authorizations and approvals, we are focused on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock stated that the programme would start early next week. Hospitals are already ready to receive the dosages.
“It is very good news,” Hancock said.
