- The United Kingdom (UK) has become the first country to approve the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.
- Vaccinations will begin from Monday, 4th January.
- Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, the Oxford vaccine does not require deep freezers for storage.
On the morning of 30th December, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorized the use of the Oxford vaccine in the UK. Thus, making the UK the first country to approve the vaccine for emergency use. Furthermore, this is the second coronavirus vaccine the country has approved this month. The first one being the Pfizer vaccine.
The UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, called the approval of the Oxford vaccine a ‘triumph for British science.’
The approval of the Oxford vaccine is a massive step forward in our fight against coronavirus. It is a tribute to the incredible UK scientists at Oxford University and AstraZeneca, whose breakthrough will help to save lives around the world. The light at the end of the tunnel just got brighter.
Matt Hancock, UK Healthcare secretary
UK Becomes First Country to Approve the Oxford Vaccine
The country has already placed an order of 100 million doses. Moreover, they are expected to receive around 500,000 doses of the vaccine by next week. Government authorities plan to roll out the vaccine from Monday, 4th January.
The MHRA’s decision is based on the interim analysis of the vaccine’s phase 3 trials. According to the phase 3 trial data published in The Lancet, the vaccine showed 70% efficacy at preventing COVID-19. However, it demonstrated a 90% efficacy in those who received a combination of half and full dose. It is still unclear as to why that might have happened.
As per guidelines provided by the MHRA, people will receive two full doses of the vaccine 4 to 12 weeks apart. The first doses will likely go to at-risk groups. This includes residents of care homes, healthcare workers, and individuals aged 50 years and above.
A Potential Game-Changer
On Tuesday, the UK recorded its highest number of new COVID-19 cases. With the approval of two coronavirus vaccines, authorities are hoping to get a hold of the rising numbers. Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, the Oxford vaccine is cheaper and is easily stored at normal fridge temperatures. Thus, making its distribution far easier.
The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine will significantly boost our efforts to protect those most at risk from COVID-19 as it can be transported easier and, once extensive quality checks have taken place, the vaccine will be sent to vaccination sites across the UK and carefully unpacked ready for vaccinations to begin next week.
Vaccine Deployment Minister Nadhim Zahawi
AstraZeneca is currently seeking emergency approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) to make the vaccine available in low- and middle- income countries.
Reference:
Department of Health and Social Care. Oxford University/AstraZeneca Vaccine Authorised by UK Medicines Regulator. 30 Dec. 2020, www.gov.uk/government/news/oxford-universityastrazeneca-vaccine-authorised-by-uk-medicines-regulator.
