Switzerland approves Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, marking global first

Switzerland has become the first country to grant full approval for the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine, making a significant move in the global race against the pandemic. The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, known as Swissmedic, confirmed the vaccine’s authorization on the basis of data demonstrating its high efficacy. According to Swissmedic’s assessment, the vaccine offers more than 90% protection seven days after the second dose, a promising figure in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This decision places Switzerland in an elite group of countries, including the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, and the United States, that have already approved the vaccine. While the approval process was expedited, Swissmedic emphasized that the decision adhered to its rigorous safety standards, ensuring that the vaccine met all three critical criteria: safety, efficacy, and quality.

In a statement, Swissmedic’s Director Raimund Bruhin explained that patient safety remains paramount, especially when authorizing new vaccines. “Thanks to the rolling procedure and our flexibly organized teams, we managed to reach a decision quickly—while also fully satisfying the three most important requirements of safety, efficacy, and quality,” he said.

The vaccine, a product of a collaboration between U.S. pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and German biotech company BioNTech, is intended for individuals aged 16 and older. Swissmedic has recommended administering two intramuscular injections of the vaccine, spaced at least 21 days apart, to achieve optimal protection against the novel coronavirus.

Switzerland’s approval comes amid a growing urgency to curb the spread of Covid-19. As of December 2020, the country had registered more than 400,000 cases and over 6,600 deaths, placing it 31st among the most affected countries globally. The timely authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is seen as a crucial step in reducing the transmission of the virus and alleviating the burden on the Swiss healthcare system.

The approval process followed an ongoing review, with Swissmedic utilizing a flexible and accelerated rolling procedure to assess the data quickly. This procedure allowed Swissmedic to expedite its decision while ensuring that no corners were cut in the evaluation of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

As countries around the world continue to battle the pandemic, Switzerland’s swift approval of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 vaccine sets a powerful precedent. It not only offers hope for those looking to mitigate the spread of the virus but also highlights the importance of strong regulatory bodies in safeguarding public health.

For the people of Switzerland, the approval of this vaccine marks a turning point in the fight against Covid-19, providing a crucial tool in the ongoing efforts to protect citizens and curb the pandemic’s devastating impact. With many other countries looking to follow suit, the hope is that this vaccine will help pave the way for a safer future for all.