The Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine has been authorised by
the UK medicines regulator, the MHRA.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson
said:
“The Government has today accepted the recommendation from the
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to
authorise Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for
use. This follows 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.
“The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will
also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive
this vaccine.
“The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan and decades of
experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes. It
has already vaccinated hundreds of thousands of patients with the
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and its roll out will continue. Now the
NHS will begin putting their extensive preparations into action
to roll out the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.
“Throughout this global pandemic we have always been guided by
the latest scientific advice. Having studied evidence on both the
Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines, the
JCVI has advised the priority should be to give as many people in
at-risk groups their first dose, rather than providing the
required two doses in as short a time as possible.
“Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be
within 12 weeks of their first. The second dose completes the
course and is important for longer term protection.
“From today the NHS across the UK will prioritise giving the
first dose of the vaccine to those in the most high-risk groups.
With two vaccines now approved, we will be able to vaccinate a
greater number of people who are at highest risk, protecting them
from the disease and reducing mortality and hospitalisation.
“The JCVI’s independent advice is that this approach will
maximise the benefits of both vaccines. It will ensure that more
at-risk people are able to get meaningful protection from a
vaccine in the coming weeks and months, reducing deaths and
starting to ease pressure on our NHS.
“To aid the success of the vaccination programme, it is vital
everyone continues to play their part, abides by the restrictions
in their area and remembers hands, face, space so we can suppress
this virus and allow the NHS to do its work without being
overwhelmed.
“Further details will be set out shortly.”
