The UK approves third Covid-19 vaccine - Moderna

UK’s top medicine regulator has approved the use of Moderna vaccine against Covid-19.

This is the third jab approved in the country as part of the vaccination programme alongside those from AstraZeneca and Pfizer / BioNTech. 

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At first, the government ordered 7 million doses of the vaccine but the number. At the moment it seems that number has shot up to 17 million doses and is anticipated in spring. Scientists at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency did a thorough assessment alongside the independent Commission on Human Medicines to ensure it meets the right safety and quality standards were met. 

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The EU Medicines Agency (EMA) has authorized the use of the vaccine. Cumulatively, the 27 member nation block has ordered 160 million doses. Like the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine Moderna relies on messenger RNA to instruct cells to create the coronavirus spike protein. 

The Moderna shot is way easier to handle than the Pfizer vaccine as it does not have to be subjected to ultra-freezing temperatures. The US authorized the Moderna vaccine in December. Vaccine trials of the Moderna jab showed a 94% efficacy in preventing disease, including in the case of the elderly which is key. The deal struck by Whitehall means that the United Kingdom will not start until Moderna expands its production capability. 

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The UK’s current vaccine delivery plan has seen 1.5 million people already vaccinated. Moderna will boost the immunization programme further once more doses avail themselves in spring.