Pfizer vaccine is first to receive emergency use authorization from WHO

The vaccine from Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech was the first to receive emergency use approval from the WHO. This means that countries can quickly approve vaccination with this drug.

in a statement The WHO said that the emergency release opens the door for countries to expedite their own regulatory procedures for approving a vaccine for import and administration. It also allows some international organizations (such as those affiliated with the UN) to procure the vaccine for distribution to countries in need.

Experts convened by WHO from around the world analyzed data on the safety, efficacy and quality of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, the WHO writes in a release. "The review concluded that the vaccine meets mandatory safety and efficacy criteria set by the WHO and that the benefits of using the vaccine to control COVID-19 outweigh the potential risks."

The organization adds that the WHO Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) will meet on January 5 to formulate policy on specific vaccines and recommendations for their use.

In December, emergency approval for the use of the Pfizer vaccine was issued by the US authorities.

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Here you can read when foreign vaccines can be approved in Russia, and here you can read what slows down the mass vaccination of the population with Russian drugs.