Global vaccine rollout underway as COVID-19 cases surge
Almost 16 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered to date in 37 countries worldwide according to data compiled by Bloomberg ( updated 7 Jan 2021).
The UK was the first country to approve use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine with the first dose administered on December 8, 2020 and further doses rolled out to people over 80 years old and healthcare workers over subsequent weeks. The UK has also approved the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine with the first dose administered 7 Jan 2021.
The FDA has approved use of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Vaccination of healthcare workers began in the US on December 14, 2020. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.48 million doses have been administered so far.
The EU’s EMA approved the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine on December, 21, 2020 and approved the Moderna vaccine on January 6, 2021. There has been some criticism of the EU’s approach to the roll-out of the vaccine with frustrations over low supply and the EMA’s longer approval process. However, the EU Commission has countered criticisms saying that six contracts have already been signed to secure 2 billion doses.
Useful resources to keep up-to-date with developments relating to approvals and roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines:
New York Times Vaccine Tracker
Regulatory bodies:
