Yesterday, the Prime Minister updated the public on the results from the Pfizer/BioNTec Vaccine trials.
The Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine has been tested on over 40,000 volunteers and interim results suggest it is proving 90 per cent effective at protecting people against the virus.
If and when this vaccine is approved, a UK-wide NHS led programme of vaccine distribution will begin. This will start with those most at risk, as currently recommended by scientific experts, before being rolled out more widely. The order in which people are offered the vaccination will take into account recommendations from a group of scientific experts and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Commenting, Richard said: "The prospect of a vaccine with over 90% effectiveness is hugely encouraging but there are no guarantees. If this or any other vaccine is approved, the government will be ready to begin a large-scale vaccination programme."
Earlier this year the UK Government ordered 40 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine – enough for about a third of the population, as you need two doses each. That puts the UK towards the front of the international pack on a per capita basis. The government has also ordered over 300 million doses from 5 other vaccine candidates as well.
