SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Britain on Wednesday became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use, as it offers up to 95% protection against the disease.
“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,” the government said, Reuters reported.
“The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.”
Pfizer said Britain’s emergency use authorization marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the programme would begin early next week. Hospitals, he said, were already ready to receive it.
“It is very good news,” Hancock said.
The UK has already ordered 40 million doses – enough to vaccinate 20 million people, with two shots.
BBC reported that around 10 million doses should be available soon, with the first doses arriving in the country in the coming days.
