Pfizer Vaccination Begins... UK Minister Says "Restrictions to Ease When Vulnerable Groups Vaccinated"

UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock "Moved" Remarks
Credits Medical Staff
Expanding Centers After Vaccinations at Large Hospitals

The UK became the first country in the world to begin vaccinations with the vaccine jointly developed by the US pharmaceutical company Pfizer and the German company BioNTech on the 8th (local time). The photo shows Matt Hancock, the UK Secretary of State for Health, holding a virtual press conference at the Prime Minister's residence on the 30th of last month (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] The UK has become the first country in the world to start vaccinations with the vaccine jointly developed by the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer and the German company BioNTech.

Matt Hancock, the UK Secretary of Health, announced on the 8th (local time), "Today, vaccinations against the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will begin at up to 70 hospitals."

According to foreign media, Secretary Hancock expressed his feelings regarding the start of mass Pfizer vaccine vaccinations in the UK for the first time that morning, saying, "It is quite moving. It was made possible thanks to the medical staff."

Hancock said, "We will first start vaccinations at large hospitals and then increase the number of centers," adding, "We are confident about the vaccine distribution operations scheduled for next week."

He stated, "I hope vaccinations at nursing homes will begin before Christmas," and "Once vaccinations for vulnerable groups are carried out, we will start easing various restrictions."

Hancock also added, "We will vaccinate all vulnerable groups by next spring."

Vaccinations are being administered nationwide, including at key hospitals in England, with priority given to those aged 80 and over, nursing home residents and staff, and National Health Service (NHS) workers who are at high risk or in poor health.

Meanwhile, the world's first vaccine recipient on this day was a 90-year-old British grandmother, Margaret Keenan. Grandmother Keenan, who received the vaccine injection at Coventry University Hospital at 6:31 a.m. that day, will turn 91 next week.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.