COVID-19 vaccine found to be 90% effective in 'great day for science and humanity'

The coronavirus vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech has been found to be 90% effective in preventing people from getting the virus, it has been confirmed.

Phase 3 of Pfizer's trial involved 43,538 participants. They received two doses of either the immunisation or a placebo, with 90% protected from the virus within 28 days of having the jab.

Only 94 people who took part in the trial developed

coronavirus

and no serious safety concerns were reported.

"Today is a great day for science and humanity. The first set of results from our Phase 3

COVID-19

vaccine trial provides the initial evidence of our vaccine's ability to prevent COVID-19," said Pfizer chairman and chief executive Dr Albert Bourla.

"With today's news, we are a significant step closer to providing people around the world with a much-needed breakthrough to help bring an end to this global health crisis," he added.

Pfizer and BioNTech's vaccine is one of many being developed around the world in the race to end the global pandemic.