LONDON -- Shipments of the coronavirus vaccine developed by American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech have been delivered in the U.K. in super-cold containers.
The deliveries arrived Sunday, two days before it goes public in an immunization program that is being closely watched around the world.
Tuesday will be the start of Britain's biggest-ever immunization program.
Around 800,000 doses of the vaccine are set to be ready. British Health Secretary Matt Hancock has reportedly dubbed Tuesday "V-Day," a nod to triumphs in World War II.
Last week, the U.K. became the first country to authorize the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine for emergency use.
In trials, the vaccine was shown it has 95% efficacy.
COVID-19 Precautions
Most patients with COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms. However, in a small proportion of patients, COVID-19 can lead to more severe illness, including death, particularly among those who are older or those who have chronic medical conditions.
COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms appear within 14 days of being exposed to an infectious person.
Virginia health officials urged the following precautions:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Avoid non-essential travel.