UK authorizes Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

07 December 2020

Plans to start vaccinating this week

We are pleased to announce that the UK government has successfully approved the Pfizer/BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine, with promises that it will be made available across the UK from 8th December.

This announcement follows months of clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Promisingly, the MHRA have concluded that the vaccine has met standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. The Phase 3 trial of the vaccine shows it was 95% effective in preventing infections, and caused no serious safety concerns.

The first doses have already been ordered -- 7 million doses of the Moderna vaccine, with a further 100 million doses from Oxford and AstraZeneca. The NHS has also called in the Armed Forces to aid distribution and help ensure that the majority of vulnerable people in the UK will be vaccinated by February.

How does this affect me?

We are continuously being updated on provisions being made for COVID-19, by representatives from UK universities. To find out what specific arrangements have been made for international students, call us today on +1-416-998-8532 or speak to your Consultant.

Stay safe!

SI-UK North America