Vaccine Science Briefing

The MHRA has recommended the approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to the UK Government, following a thorough review of its safety, effectiveness, and quality. The UK Government has accepted this advice, approving the vaccine for adults aged 16 and over with certain conditions. The development process was expedited by overlapping clinical trials, and the MHRA used a rolling review to ensure a comprehensive assessment without cutting corners.

What was the basis for the UK Government's approval of the Pfizer Biontech COVID-19 vaccine?

• Advice from the Commission on Human Medicines

• Public opinion polls

• Media reports

• International pressure

What age group is the Pfizer Biontech vaccine approved for in the UK?

• Children under 12

• Teenagers aged 13-15

• Elderly over 65

• Adults aged 16 and over

How did the development of the Pfizer Biontech vaccine differ from traditional clinical trials?

• It skipped some trial phases

• Trials were conducted simultaneously

• It was tested only on animals

• It used a new technology

What is a rolling review process?

• A process to assess promising medicines quickly

• A technique to increase vaccine production

• A method to delay vaccine approval

• A way to reduce the number of trials

What ensures that no corners were cut during the vaccine's approval process?

• Public demonstrations

• Political debates

• Media scrutiny

• Rigorous scientific assessment