THE Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved to jab millions of Brits as Covid cases mount across the country.
The vaccine was approved by regulators but how soon will it be rolled out across the UK?
What is the Oxford Covid vaccine?
Developed by top scientists at Oxford University in collaboration with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, the Oxford Covid vaccine has an “overall efficacy” of 70.4 per cent against the virus.
In the first trials of the Oxford vaccine, the jab was found to be 62 per cent effective overall, but in a smaller group given a half-dose first, protection went up to 90 per cent.
The Oxford Covid vaccine uses a harmless, weakened version of a common virus which causes a cold in chimpanzees.
Researchers have already used this technology to produce vaccines against a number of pathogens including flu, Zika and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers).
The virus is genetically modified so that it is impossible for it to grow in humans.
Scientists have transferred the genetic instructions for coronavirus’s specific “spike protein” – which it needs to invade cells – to the vaccine.
When the vaccine enters cells inside the body, it uses this genetic code to produce the surface spike protein of the coronavirus.
This induces an immune response, priming the immune system to attack coronavirus if it infects the body.
The Oxford vaccine is seen as a game changer in the fight against Covid and the UK government has already bought 100million doses of the vaccine.
Unlike the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine which costs about £15 a jab and must be kept at -70C, the Oxford vaccine costs a little under £3 and can be kept at normal fridge temperature.
This means it will be easier to deliver and administer the jab across the country.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak sounded an optimistic note on Boxing Day as he predicted the vaccine will finally give the UK a road out of its Covid misery after billions were spent to ensure a smooth rollout.
He said: “There is light at the end of the tunnel with this vaccine.
“I’m confident if we all pitch in together we will get through this as we have done through this year, and we can look forward to a brighter future.”
When will it be approved in the UK?
The vaccine was approved by MHRA regulators on Wednesday, December 30.
Thousands of medics across the country are poised to begin administering the Oxford jab now it’s been given the go-ahead.
A roll out of the vaccine could begin as early as January 4.
Ten thousand medics and volunteers have been recruited by the NHS to help deliver the Oxford Covid-19 vaccine.
In anticipation, mass vaccination centres at sports stadia and conference venues are primed.
A source told The Telegraph that: “Tens of thousands of vaccinators and support staff have been recruited.
“At the moment, we are operationalising everything for the 4 January for the first Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs in arms.”
Who can have the Oxford vaccine?
Trending In The News understands the government will overhaul the priority list when the new UK vaccine is given the go-ahead.
Teachers and some key workers will be eligible for injections, currently only given to the elderly, clinically vulnerable and health and care home workers.
Hundreds of pop-up GP-led centres are on the way as part of the huge vaccination drive to get the country back up and running in the new year.
Like the Pfizer jab, pregnant women, children, and those with relevant allergies, will not receive the vaccine.
