Live Updates: EU approves Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine
Follow below for the latest coronavirus news
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The European Commission gave the all-clear to Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine on Monday, signaling the start of a rollout campaign that may see several countries start administering the jab by Dec. 27.
The commission's approval came hours after the European Union's regulatory authority endorsed the vaccine.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) had faced increasing pressure as Britain leapfrogged the process to grant Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine termporary authorization for use among its citizens, and the U.S. issued their decision last week.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The news comes as the U.K. investigates a new strain of the virus that according to Prime Minister Boris Johnson is up to 70% more transmissible than the previously identified coronavirus strain. U.S. officials have countered that claim, with a top Operation Warp Speed official on Monday saying that it will take several weeks before any definite conclusions can be drawn.
FAST FACTS
- EU approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
- UK investigating new coronavirus strain
- Several European countries restrict travel, close borders to Britain
Dr. Moncef Slaoui said research is ongoing, but current evidence does not indicate that it's more transmissible, more pathogenic or tied to higher morbidity.
As a result of rampant spread throughout the U.K., several countries have limited or restricted travel and closed their borders.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Follow below for more coronavirus updates. Mobile users click here.