UK on Wednesday topped the race in getting green signal to deliver vaccine among many contenders. It became the first nation in the world to endorse the Pfizer-BioNTech immunisation for use and said that it will be launching out in a week from now.
Both Pfizer-BioNTech and US biotech firm Moderna have reported preliminary trial data of having 90% efficacy – an astonishingly high rate – in trials of their vaccines.
Pfizer appreciated MHRA for taking special interest to review and approve it early. Now the UK’s emergency use authorisation marks a historic moment in the battle against COVID-19.
“The Government has today acknowledged the suggestion from the autonomous Medicines and Healthcare items Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to support Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 immunization for use,” the public authority gave a statement.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared it’s a good news. The programme would commence early next week and the vaccine will be available soon across the world, he added.
The UK’s vaccine regulatory committee said the vaccine shots will be tried on in-house priority group before rolling out to public. It will decide which priority staff will receive the inoculation shots first such as home care residents, health and care staff, the elderly and people who are vulnerable to large extent.