The UK government becomes the first to approve the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19 for emergency use, following the recommendation of the national medicines regulator.
BREAKING NEWS: The Government has accepted @MHRAgovuk recommendation for authorisation of @Pfizer and @BioNTech_Group's #COVID19 vaccine for use in the UK.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 2, 2020
This follows:
✅ clinical trials
✅ analysis of the data
✅ MHRA authorised
Read full statement: https://t.co/2aCQFySAAT pic.twitter.com/XhPVN9cc5Q
The request for emergency authorization was submitted by BioNTech and Pfizer to the MHRA last month — as well as to regulators in other countries like Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan and the U.S.
However, none of this other countries has given the go ahead for the new COVID-19 vaccine.
Chairman and CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla said in a statement that the Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. is “a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19”.
The UK has gone on to ordered 40M doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine, which is expected to be enough vaccine for 20M people (as it requires two doses).
Boris Johnson has expressed optimism on the efficacy of the vaccine saying it will help the people get their lives back and get the economy going again.
It’s the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again. (2/2)
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) December 2, 2020
