Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized

Geneva, Dec 19 (AFP/APP): The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been authorized for use in Switzerland, regulators announced Saturday, with immunization set to start within days as the country battles rising coronavirus cases and deaths.

The Swissmedic regulatory authority said it had given the green light following a two-month rolling review. It is the first Covid-19 vaccine approved in the wealthy Alpine nation, with rivals being assessed.

“After a meticulous review of the available information, Swissmedic concluded that the Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech is safe and that its benefit outweighs the risks,” the body said in a statement.

Health Minister Alain Berset said: “We can start vaccinating in the coming days.” “Those who are particularly vulnerable will have priority,” he said in a video tweet, namely the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

The vaccine, produced by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech, is based on a new technology that uses genetic material in the form of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid).

“The data available to date showed a comparable high level of efficacy in all investigated age groups, thus meeting the safety requirements,” said Swissmedic. “The level of protection afforded seven days after the second injection is over 90 percent in adults,” according to the study data it reviewed.

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