As England enters the second phase of easing the lockdown it has announced to roll-out Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine from April
The United Kingdom (U.K.) has announced to roll-out Moderna’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine from next month and has asked the people to remain cautious as England enters the second phase of easing the lockdown.
The vaccine made by the United States (U.S.) drugmaker will be administered by National Health Services (NHS). The vaccine has been approved by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The U.K. today, i.e., Monday, March 29, 2021 entered the next phase of easing down of restrictions. As per the new rules, the “stay at home” orders have been lifted, organised outdoor sports have resumed and people are allowed to meet outdoors in groups of upto 6 or a maximum of 2 households. Travel outside local area is also allowed.
Cautioning people, the Prime Minister of U.K. – Boris Johnson tweeted,
Today marks the next stage of our roadmap to cautiously ease restrictions in England.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 29, 2021
As vaccines are being rolled out it’s vital that we don’t overdo it and risk all the progress we’ve made.
Please follow the new rules carefully. pic.twitter.com/9r7aV9hYb7
Moderna vaccine uses new mRNA technology that introduces genetic material containing the instructions to make the coronavirus’s spike protein into the body to elicit an immune response. Traditional vaccine approaches typically kickstart the immune system by exposing it to a killed or weakened part of the virus.
The U.K. has ordered 17 million doses of Moderna’s vaccine. The vaccine needs to be given in 2 doses. The vaccine is 95% effective in preventing the disease. It is the third COVID-19 vaccine to be rolled out in the U.K. after the BioNTech-Pfizer and Oxford University – AstraZeneca vaccine.
Meanwhile, more than 30 million people have been vaccinated in U.K. More than 3.5 million people have also received their second jab.
Johnson also tweeted,
Wonderful news that over 30 million people have received their first dose.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) March 28, 2021
We need to keep up the momentum. Please make sure you get your second dose when you are called to do so. pic.twitter.com/zAZfaIEHNW
Despite recent supply issues, U.K. is confident of offering the second doses within 12 weeks and will inoculate all the adults by the end of July 2021. Separately, the supply of Oxford University – AstraZeneca’s COVId-19 vaccine made by Serum Institute of India has also been delayed as it is being re-tested for 17 million doses. The Health Secretary of U.K. – Matt Hancock has expressed concerns about the delay.
The availability of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine will ease of some pressure from Government and they would be able to vaccinate people under 50 years of age.
