Preparations Ahead of Possible Vaccine Roll-Out Next Month

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has revealed government preparation for a roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, if approved by the UK Regulator. The news follows promising results from the phase 3 clinical study carried out by the vaccine giants Pfizer and Biotech, who have recently published reports of their developed vaccine achieving a efficacy rate of 95%. If approved, vaccine distribution will start next month, with sites being set up all over the country as well as in hospitals and GP surgeries. The main bulk of the vaccine is set to be given early next year.

"It is with great pride and joy, and even a little relief, that I can say that our request for emergency use authorisation for our potential COVID-19 vaccine is now in the FDA's (Food and Drug Administration) hands," he said at a news conference at Downing Street on Friday. "If, and it still is an if, if the regulator approves a vaccine, we will be ready to start the vaccination next month with the bulk of the rollout in the new year. We're heading in the right direction but there is still a long way to go."