How does the Covid vaccine work and why has it been approved so quickly? Your questions answered

By Abbey Maclure
Published 2nd Dec 2020, 08:38 BST
Updated 2nd Dec 2020, 08:42 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now
A new Covid-19 vaccine from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, working with German biotech company BioNTech, has been approved for use in the UK.

It could be rolled out in Leeds as early as next week, with health and care workers, people over 80 and care home residents the first to get a vaccine.

The mass-vaccination of the public in Leeds is due to start early next year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But how does it work and why has it been approved so quickly?

Workers perform last minute quality testing of the 'fill and finish' stage of the manufacturing process of Covid-19 vaccines (Image: PA Wire/Paul Ellis)Workers perform last minute quality testing of the 'fill and finish' stage of the manufacturing process of Covid-19 vaccines (Image: PA Wire/Paul Ellis)
Workers perform last minute quality testing of the 'fill and finish' stage of the manufacturing process of Covid-19 vaccines (Image: PA Wire/Paul Ellis)

Here's everything you need to know:

– Is this a reason to celebrate?

Yes. Analysis shows the vaccine can prevent 95% of people from getting Covid-19, including 94% in older age groups.

The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries and no safety concerns were raised.

How the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine work (Image: PA Graphics)How the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine work (Image: PA Graphics)
How the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine work (Image: PA Graphics)

Approval means the UK can begin rolling out the vaccine to those most in need, including frontline NHS workers.

– What type of vaccine is this?