The UK government has authorised Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine for use. The regulators have concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.
Practically, the Oxford vaccine will be cheap and easy to transport and distribute to care homes and other vaccination sites – since it can be stored at normal fridge temperatures (2-8 C). The two standard dose regimen has been approved for all ages 18 years and above. Because of the recent surge in cases, as many vulnerable individuals as possible will be vaccinated with just one dose of either vaccine (Pfizer or AstraZeneca). The second dose will be administered up to to 12 weeks later.