As the French Haute Autorité de Santé recently lifted the veil on the 5 recommended phases for a possible vaccine campaign in France, the United Kingdom takes things to the next level. In a release published this Wednesday December 2, 2020 the British government spokesperson says the first Covid-19 vaccine produced by Pfizer and BioNTech has been approved in the United Kingdom. “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”, they said.
"Hubs" have been set up in 50 British hospitals expected to supply 1,000 vaccination center. For the record, this vaccine must be stocked at -70°C (-94°F) - limiting the vaccination process.
With such news, the United Kingdom becomes the first country in the world to approve and issue the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. Pfizer CEO did not take long to react, hailing this “historic moment”. “Pfizer and BioNTech are anticipating further regulatory decisions across the globe in the coming days and weeks and are ready to deliver vaccine doses following potential regulatory authorizations or approvals” the American laboratory went on.
For the record, the two laboratories recently stated their coronavirus vaccine was “95% effective” according to full results from phase 3. Since then, Pfizer and BioNTech has sought approval for issuing in Europe. An application that has to be examined by the European Medicines Agency by December 29, 2020.
