Pfizer's COVID vaccine is the first approved coronavirus vaccine: 5 key points to know

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine has gotten one step closer, with American pharma giant, Pfizer-BionTech having secured needed approvals for a rollout in the UK.

According to recent reports, UK health officials, part of the vaccine monitoring group have given their go-ahead for the vaccine roll-out, which can begin as soon as next week for priority groups.

The UK has already reserved over 40 million shots for its population right now, and more shots will be on its way for the countries. The news also makes Pfizer-BionTech as the first company to be officially approved for use against COVID-19, which has infected over 55 million people and claimed millions of lives. It is now the fastest vaccine to have ever secured approvals, taking only 10 months to go from development to roll-out.

While Pfizer became the 'milestone' vaccine to offer exceptionally high efficacy rates, the recent advent is one of the most promising things to have come out in the pandemic and provide a ray of hope for millions at risk. If reports are to go by, Indian authorities are also in talks with officials to bring Pfizer's vaccine shots for the Indian masses.

With vaccination starting soon and many other countries expected to follow suit, let us discuss some of the key benefits and points which got Pfizer such early approvals for use.

While Pfizer is a known vaccine maker in the market, this is the first time the medical giant is making use of an innovative mRNA (messenger RNA) code to teach the body how to root and eliminate the virus and fight symptoms. An mRNA vaccine enters the body, teaches the body to produce spike proteins and prompts specific T-cell and antibody response to fight the virus, if a person is to ever encounter it, hence marking them safe.

mRNA technology vaccines come backed with a lot of assurance and are considered a novel approach. This is now, the first time, an mRNA vaccine has been officially approved for large-scale public consumption.

Companies like Moderna Therapeutic Inc., a close competitor of Pfizer's is also working on an mRNA model.

Pfizer-BioNTech's innovative mRNA vaccine makes use of a two-dose regime, which means people will need two doses of the vaccine jab to be fully protected against novel coronavirus. The vaccine is to be administered as two injections, 21 days apart, with the second dose being a booster.

The 40 million shots ordered by the UK will be enough to cover 20 million people in the coming months, with additional doses being made available later.

In the UK, as of right now, as many as 50 hospitals have been put on standby and authorities have drawn up priority lists which will safeguard people who have the highest risk of COVID-19, including healthcare workers, seniors over 70 and immuno-compromised people.

Pricing is one of the biggest factors for consideration with Pfizer's COVID-19 entry. It has been prized comparatively on the higher side, as compared to other vaccines. Reports suggest that a single dose of the vaccine garners a price tag of $20-$30, which may even go up in the future, once the pandemic may wane out.

It should be noted that mRNA vaccines tend to be costlier than other traditional vaccines since they make use of novel approaches and biochemicals. Additional shipping, transportation and ancillary costs also affect prices. Nonetheless, reserving doses and prior funding may have allowed countries to secure neccessary doses at a discounted price.

One of the reasons behind Pfizer securing early approvals is the stellar efficacy rates observed in early investigations. As per reports to have come out in early Novemeber, Pfizer’s vaccine is over 95% protection and over a 90% efficacy rate, which is one of the strongest of all vaccines being developed right now.

Another reason why Pfizer makes for a good match is that it works for high-risk categories as well. Clinical trials done on elderly people observed that the vaccine was able to deliver sufficient immune response, protecting them against COVID and related complications.

The vaccine has also been branded safe for use. No unusual side-effects have been observed so far.

Storage and administration of the Pfizer shot are a little trickier than a traditional vaccine.

According to scientists, Pfizer's shot needs to be stored at a temperature of around -70 degree Celcius (which can only be achieved by specialized freezers and colder than the temperatures in Antarctica.)

Apart from the set temperatures, the vaccine also requires special shipping arrangements to be met. The vaccine needs to be transported in specially curated dry ice boxes, post which, it remains stable for use for upto five days time. Any difference in the temperature setting and administration may affect its use and workability.