In world first, UK approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine

Syringes are seen in front of displayed Biontech and Pfizer logos in this illustration taken November 10, 2020. [Dado Ruvic, Reuters]

Britain approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, jumping ahead of the United States and Europe to become the West’s first country to formally endorse a jab it said should reach the most vulnerable people early next week.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson touted the medicine authority’s approval as a global win and a ray of hope amid the gloom of the novel coronavirus which has killed nearly 1.5 million people globally, hammered the world economy and upended normal life.