Compared to Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the Oxford-AstraZeneca one can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions.
On Wednesday, the United Kingdom became the first country in the world to approve the coronavirus vaccine developed by drug firm AstraZeneca and Oxford University. The country has planned mass rollout from January 4.
Compared to Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the Oxford-AstraZeneca one can be stored, transported and handled at normal refrigerated conditions, and is, therefore, cheaper and easier to administer than the other two.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Britain will become the first nation to roll out the jab on January 4, amid mounting concerns that another dangerous spike in infections could overwhelm the NHS.
“Brilliant to end 2020 with such a moment of hope,” Mr Hancock tweeted.
“The #coronavirus vaccine is our way out of the pandemic — now we need to hold our nerve while we get through this together.”
Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said the approval followed “rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA, which has concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness”.
Hours after the UK gave the clearance to the vaccine, Serum Institute of India’s application for emergency use approval will be considered by an expert panel today, sources have told NDTV.
“This is a great and encouraging news. We will wait for the final approval from Indian regulators,” Serum Institute’s chief Adar Poonawalla told NDTV.
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