AstraZeneca gets emergency authorisation from UK for COVID-19 vaccine

The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has provided authorization for the emergency supply of COVID-19 vaccine.

“The authorisation recommends two doses administered with an interval of between four and 12 weeks.This regimen was shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19,with no severe cases and no hospitalisations more than 14 days after the second dose.” says the statement released by AstraZeneca

“Today is an important day for millions of people in the UK who will get access to this new vaccine. It has been shown to be effective, well-tolerated, simple to administer, and is supplied by AstraZeneca at no profit. We would like to thank our many colleagues at AstraZeneca, Oxford University, the UK government, and the tens of thousands of clinical trial participants.” said Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer

“This is a moment to celebrate British innovation – not only are we responsible for discovering the first treatment to reduce mortality for Covid-19, this vaccine will be made available to some of the poorest regions of the world at a low cost, helping protect countless people from this awful disease. It is a tribute to the incredible UK scientists at Oxford University and AstraZeneca whose breakthrough will help to save lives around the world. I want to thank every single person who has been part of this British success story. While it is a time to be hopeful, it is so vital everyone continues to play their part to drive down infections.” said Matt Hancock, UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care