U.K. Approves Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine For Emergency Use

The U.K. has formally approved Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine, becoming the first Western country to OK its use for the general public.

The British regulatory agency, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority, or MHRA, announced early Wednesday the approval of the vaccine from Pfizer and the German company BioNTech for emergency use. The vaccine promises up to 95% protection against COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his congratulations and said: "It's the protection of vaccines that will ultimately allow us to reclaim our lives and get the economy moving again."

https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/12/02/941022673/u-k-approves-pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-for-emergency-use?utm_source=npr_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20201202&utm_term=4997547&utm_campaign=breaking-news&utm_id=48780983&orgid=309