- Advertisement -
World

UK becomes first country to approve Covid Pfizer vaccine

Inoculations could begin next week for priority groups.

Staff Writers
1 minute read
Share
A woman walks past the Pfizer world headquarters in New York on Nov 9. Photo: AP
A woman walks past the Pfizer world headquarters in New York on Nov 9. Photo: AP

The BBC is reporting breaking news that the UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for widespread use.

British regulator, the MHRA, says the jab, which offers up to 95% protection against Covid-19 illness, is safe for roll-out.

Immunisations could start within days for people in high priority groups such as frontline workers and care home residents.

The UK has already ordered 40 million doses – enough to vaccinate 20 million people, with two shots each.

Around 10 million doses should be available soon, with the first doses arriving in the UK in coming days.

It is the fastest ever vaccine to go from concept to reality, taking only 10 months to follow the same developmental steps that normally span a decade.

Although vaccination can start, people still need to remain vigilant and follow coronavirus rules to stop the spread, say experts.

That means sticking with the social distancing and face masks, and testing people who may have the virus and asking them to isolate.