Government and public health officials have today announced that the UK has approved the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use.
This makes the UK the first country in the world to do so.
The Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed it has been given the go-ahead by the health regulator MHRA and the vaccine will become available from next week.
Announcing in a statement this morning, the Department of Health and Social Care said: “The government has today accepted the recommendation from the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to approve Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine for use,”
“The vaccine will be made available across the UK from next week.”
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It has been confirmed the government has secured 40 million doses of the vaccine and patients need two doses.
Pfizer and BioNTech reported final trial results on 18th November, showing its vaccine was 95% effective in preventing coronavirus (COVID-19), with no major safety concerns, and studies have shown the jab works in all age groups.
— Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) December 2, 2020
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care also added: “The NHS has decades of experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes and will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to provide care and support to all those eligible for vaccination.
“To aid the success of the vaccination programme it is vital everyone continues to play their part and abide by the necessary restrictions in their area so we can further suppress the virus and allow the NHS to do its work without being overwhelmed.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the announcement this morning is “fantastic news”.
He continued in a tweet: “Help is on the way. The MHRA has formally authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for COVID-19. The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week,”
“The UK is the first country in the world to have a clinically approved vaccine for supply.”
Help is on its way.
The MHRA has formally authorised the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for Covid-19.
The NHS stands ready to start vaccinating early next week.
The UK is the first country in the world to have a clinically approved vaccine for supply.
Speaking to Sky News, Mr Hancock also confirmed there would be “three modes of delivery” of the vaccine.
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“The first is hospitals themselves, which of course we’ve got facilities like this,” he said.
“50 hospitals across the country are already set up and waiting to receive the vaccine as soon as it’s approved, so that can now happen. Also vaccination centres, which will be big centres where people can go to get vaccinated [and] they are being set up now.”
Royal Liverpool University Hospital trust said to be one of the first sites to be rolling out the vaccine.
More information is expected to follow in due course.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Major incident declared in response to Greater Manchester wildfires ‘stood down’
Emily Sergeant
The major incident that was declared in response to several wildfires across Greater Manchester has now officially been ‘stood down’.
Nearly a month on from the first blaze breaking out near the popular beauty spot of Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham on 11 July, which then unfortunately went on to merge with a fire at Tintwistle and Swineshaw, prompting a major multi-agency response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The fire service says it has made the decision to ‘stand down’ the major incident that was declared in response to the fires.
It comes after firefighters worked hard in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Greater Manchester moorland fires are still burning after more than two weeks / Credit: GMFRS
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies were also deployed over the past month as operations continued across multiple sectors.
While the major incident has been stood down, however, GMFRS says it wants to be clear that the fire is ‘not over’ yet.
Issuing a formal statement on the current situation as it stands, GMFRS said: “Reflecting the significant progress that has been made over recent weeks, the fire is now largely contained and the risk of further significant spread reduced substantially.
“This milestone has only been possible because of the outstanding efforts of firefighters, landowners, and partner agencies and organisations, who have shown incredible professionalism, commitment and resilience throughout a challenging and prolonged incident.
“Whilst standing down the major incident is an important step forward, the incident is not over.
“Fire is still present beneath the surface so firefighters will remain at the scene to monitor and contain any fire spread, while working alongside our partners to support ongoing recovery efforts.”
Featured Image – Emma Renly (via Unsplash)
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New Mayor Bev Craig announces FREE bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of high school children across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel next year.
That’s because Greater Manchester’s newly-elected Mayor, Bev Craig, set out plans on her first official day in office yesterday (3 August) to help families with the rising cost of living by extending the already-popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme to give 11 to 16-year-olds free bus travel on the Bee Network from January 2027 onwards.
The move is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester – saving families up to £500 per child every year.
Applications will open later this year, so families can apply for their pass in advance.
Bev Craig has announced free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM
Greater Manchester’s successful ‘Our Pass’ scheme was introduced in 2019 and already gives 16-18-year-olds free bus travel to make getting to education, training, and opportunities easier.
But this new extension means that, for the first time, all children between 11 and 18-years-old will be able to travel for free on the region’s buses.
On top of this, in further support for families, Bev has also confirmed that previously-agreed plans to give free bus travel for children in temporary accommodation will be implemented from this September – with this extra support set to be administered by councils and be in place for the new school term.
First day as Mayor of Greater Manchester. I promise to work for everyone, in every town, village and city.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) August 3, 2026
“During my campaign, I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds,” commented Bev Craig as the move was announced this week.
“This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.
“It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families, and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers.
“Families across Greater Manchester are struggling with the cost of living and I’m using my first day as Mayor to do something practical to make life a bit easier. By launching in January, young people will be boarding the Bee Network for free as they head back to school.”
The Manc -
2nd December 2020 
