UK to roll out Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine next week

The UK has become the first country allowing the use of Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine on public after the country's regulator approved it on Wednesday.

The vaccine, which provides 95% protection against COVID-19, will be rolled out as early as next week, according to a government statement.

"The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine for use," it said.

"The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week."