Date Set For COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine Use In UK

Pfizer vaccine has been approved for the treatment of COVID-19 in the UK.

NewsOne Nigeria reports that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use.

British regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), says the Pfizer vaccine, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll out next week.

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock tweeted on the micro-blogging site, Twitter on Wednesday that ‘Help is on its way’ in response to the coronavirus ravaging the entire country and the world.

What to know about COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine use in the UK

“The MHRA has formally authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19.

‘The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week.

‘The UK is the first country in the world to have a clinically approved vaccine for supply.’

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: ‘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.

‘This follows months of rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA who have concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

‘The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will shortly also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive the vaccine, including care home residents, health and care staff, the elderly and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

‘The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.’

According to reports, the NHS staff are first in line to receive the vaccine.

Meanwhile, NewsOne Nigeria reports that the Pfizer vaccine, which reported early results suggesting the jab is 95 per cent effective, needs to be stored at extremely low temperatures.