The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been approved in the UK, with roll out planned for early next week, according to health minister Matt Hancock.
The UK’s independent health regulator has approved the vaccine, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19.
The UK has ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine – enough for 20 million people, with two shots each.
Hancock told Sky News: “We’re the first country in the world to have a clinically authorised vaccine to roll out.”
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has to be stored at minus 70 degrees. Hancock said these caveat proposed some challenges, “but NHS stands by. It’s not easy but we’ve got those plans in place.”
The UK government has a priority list for vaccinating people against coronavirus. First in line for a vaccine are care home residents and carers, followed by older age groups from 80-plus-year-olds, going down to 65-plus-year-olds. Then adults with underlying health conditions, then 50-plus-year-olds, going down the age bands.
Source: CityAM
