An Introduction to Britain’s COVID-19 Vaccine

On December 2, Britain approved the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer/Biontech, becoming the first country to approve mass inoculations for citizens. The government has mentioned that the first doses will be provided to the public in the following few weeks. As of now, Britain has already pre-ordered 40 million doses, and 800,000 doses are on the way from Belgian facilities to Britain. Four million doses are expected by the end of this year.

The first group that will receive the vaccination include elderly residents and caretakers in care homes. Following them, the elderly citizens, extremely vulnerable patients, individuals with underlying health conditions and more will be able to take the vaccine.

According to the first person to take the vaccine, Margaret Keenan, the vaccine was like a basic injection. She is very grateful to be the first to become immune, so she can now have the ability to spend time with her family. When it comes to the mass inoculation of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, Keenan’s advice is: “If I can have it at 90, then you can have it too.”

On the other hand, the emergency authorization of this vaccine has created a certain level of controversy in media, the medical industry, and among political groups. For one, patients of the clinical trial have come forth with side effects. Two frontline healthcare workers have developed severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Kristen Choi, a nurse that participated in the trial, has also come forth with her own side effects, including a 105 F fever, severe pain at the injection site, headache, and nausea. To combat these forthcomings, Pfizer has stated that their Phase 3 trial proved to be 95% effective with no serious safety concerns.

In addition, the immediate introduction of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for Britain has placed pressure on the United States White House, as they are still searching for a solution to their rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases. On social media, people have also expressed their concerns regarding the vaccine and emphasized their concerns. According to The New York Times, Britain may also be “acting in haste for political reasons” in order to potentially defeat a virus that kills 10,000 people daily worldwide.

What are your thoughts on the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine? Do you think it’s reliable? Comment below!